October 26, 2023
Queensland’s surf lifesavers are urging beachgoers to exercise caution with unstable surf conditions predicted along the South East Queensland coast from 26 to 30 October.
Surf and swell heights along the exposed southern Queensland coast through to the Fraser Coast are expected to be impacted by an offshore trough and the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Lola.
From Friday, surf heights are expected to be in the 6-8ft range with strong gales up to 35kts SSW/SSE, with an expected build up over the weekend to 8-10ft surf heights and similar winds.
The swell is expected to drop off overnight into Monday.
Beaches may be impacted by an increase in flash rips and unstable conditions close to shore, with strong currents and rips making it dangerous for swimmers.
The Queensland Shark Control Program has advised that due to the significant south to southeasterly swell expected, shark nets will be removed from both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast regions during the heightened swell conditions.
Drumlines will remain and will be baited during the period. It is expected the shark nets will remain out over the weekend with the Department of Fisheries will provide an update on reinstallation early next week.
SLSQ are urging beachgoers to only swim at patrolled beaches during patrol hours, importantly adhere to any beach signage and follow the instructions from surf lifesavers and lifeguards.
QUICK LINKS
CONDITIONS FORECAST
Wind Warnings for Friday 27 October
Gale Warning for the following areas:
Sunshine Coast Waters and Gold Coast Waters
Strong Wind Warning for the following areas:
South East Gulf of Carpentaria, Mackay Coast, Capricornia Coast, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island Coast and Moreton Bay
Warnings have been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology at the time of the report however conditions are subject to change.
WEATHER AND SURF REPORT
Gold Coast:
Temperature 15°- 22°
Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the morning. Winds southerly 25 to 40 km/h.
Temperature 15°-23°
Partly cloudy. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h tending southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.
Sunshine Coast:
Temperature 13°-23°
Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower near the coast in the morning. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds southerly 15 to 25 km/h tending south to southeasterly 25 to 40 km/h during the morning then becoming southerly 15 to 25 km/h during the evening.
Temperature 13°-24°
Partly cloudy. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h tending southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.
Wide Bay Capricorn:
Temperature 14°-27°
Mostly sunny. Winds southerly 15 to 25 km/h tending southeasterly 25 to 40 km/h during the morning then decreasing to 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.
Temperature 14°-27°
Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then tending east to southeasterly 25 to 35 km/h during the day.
North Barrier:
Temperature 21°-30°
Mostly sunny. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h turning east to northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day.
Temperature 21°- 30°
Partly cloudy. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending east to northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day then becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.
North Queensland:
Temperature 22°-31°
Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds southeasterly and light increasing to 20 to 30 km/h during the morning then decreasing to 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.
Temperature 22°-30°
Partly cloudy. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h increasing to 20 to 30 km/h during the morning then decreasing to 20 to 25 km/h during the evening.
SAFETY MESSAGES
Remember to only swim at patrolled beaches during patrol hours, keep your children within arm’s length, stay within your depth, follow the instructions from lifeguards and surf lifesavers.
WEEKEND MEDIA CONTACT
SLSQ Media
0419 201 246