Gold Coast weather: Showers and possible storm forecast for today

Rain and a possible storm is predicted to hit the Coast this afternoon. But the weather bureau says from tomorrow onwards the forecast is likely to be ‘picture perfect’.

RAIN and a possible storm is predicted to hit the Coast this afternoon but the weather bureau says from tomorrow onwards the forecast is likely to be “picture perfect”.

Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecaster Alex Majchrowski told the Bulletin the Coast was likely to receive around 5mm of rainfall and a small storm this afternoon.

“With the cloud coverage today the storm activity will not be too bad,” he said.

“But from tomorrow it will be sunny. No rain is on the forecast and cooler average April temperatures will hang around for the week.”

The Coast is forecast to get a shower of rain and a possible storm this afternoon.

The average maximum temperature for April is around 26C.

Today it is forecast to hit a top of 28C in Coolangatta, 29C in Robina and Surfers Paradise and 30C in Coomera and Nerang.

Tomorrow in the city suburbs is expected to hit an average low of 16C overnight and a maximum day temperature of 29C by lunchtime.

So far this month the city has received around 10mm of rain.

Hinze Dam is currently sitting at 98.8% capacity.

THE WEEKEND FISH, SURF & DIVE CONDITIONS

FISHING

New Federal Government restrictions for coronavirus implemented on Sunday night mean recreational boating and fishing for leisure is no longer permitted. Only those boating and fishing for "essential purposes" is allowed, including travelling to work, to get provisions from the shops, or those providing for their families. Photo: Dave Hunt

Offshore: Spotted mackerel on the bite along the 12 and 18 fathoms, Palm Beach and Mermaid reefs. The 24 fathom reefs east of the Seaway fishing well for Spanish mackerel, especially with live bait. Try the 36 fathom reefs for snapper.

Jumpinpin: Whiting on the chew along the Jumpinpin sand banks. The western side of Jumpinpin and Tipplers Island good for flathead and mud crabs.

Freshwater: No fishing at Hinze Dam due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Estuaries: Try the Nerang River, Chevron Island and Budds Beach for whiting. Big bream and flathead in southern waterways.

Broadwater: Whiting have been biting well on worms and yabbies near the sand banks of the Broadwater and Coomera, Nerang and Pimpama rivers. Bream biting off the foreshore near Southport, Labrador, Runaway Bay and Paradise Point. The Seaway has been a hotspot for trevally and tailor.

Report by Southport Fish & Dive

SURF

A surfer rides a wave at Burleigh on the Gold Coast. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

Today: Easing SSE groundswell under offshore winds. Far northern NSW: Sets up to a slow 2 to 3ft+ across south-exposed areas, wrapping at lower levels elsewhere and fading in the afternoon. Southern QLD: Inconsistent 2ft+ sets across the more exposed breaks, grading 1 to 2ft elsewhere with size depending on exposure. WIND: Varying WNW 5 to 15 knots across the Sunshine Coast, WSW to SW across the Gold Coast and northern NSW.

Tomorrow: Residual SSE swell superseded by new South groundswell. Far northern NSW: Sets ranging from 3 to 4ft+ across south-exposed areas, wrapping at more like 2 to 3ft+ elsewhere and bumping up in the afternoon. Southern QLD: Around 2ft exposed beaches, wrapping at 1 to 2ft elsewhere. WIND: Varying WNW to WSW 5 to 15 knots. Weak Southerly change arrives from Ballina south during the afternoon, fading again later.

Report by CoastalWatch

DIVING

Beautiful Burleigh Beach from the sky. Photo: @_jakebrereton_images

Wavebreak: 10m visibility, 4 knot northerlies and 21C water temp. Turtles, dolphins and dugongs seen. Best to dive at high tide.

Report by Qld Scuba Dive