Heatwave and hazardous swell: Sunshine Coast lifesavers prepare for hectic weekend
Lifesavers are preparing for a chaotic weekend with heatwave conditions along with cyclonic swell and big tides off the back of a horror start to the year for beach deaths.
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Crowds are expected to flock to Sunshine Coast beaches this weekend as temperatures rise, despite dangerous conditions caused by cyclone Gabrielle.
Bureau of Meteorology’s community information officer Danny Johnson said despite mild Friday temperatures the Sunshine Coast can expect to swelter at the weekend.
“It will be heating up to around 30 degrees on the coast and it will be even warmer in the hinterland,” Mr Johnson said.
“Sunday will be the hottest day for the region, but it will remain warm into next week, staying around the 30 degree mark.
“These temps are average but feel warmer because of the northerly winds, so it will feel a few degrees warmer than what it actually is, the heat will ease Monday night when the wind turns easterly and a few showers are expected to pop up on the coastal fringes.”
Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, cat 3 intensity, continues to head towards #NorfolkIsland. Gales and high waves expected from overnight tonight, with a risk of destructive wind gusts ( up to 140km/h) possible from Saturday afternoon. #CycloneGabrielle. https://t.co/W6HI1s4fk7pic.twitter.com/1eh3vuvIno
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) February 10, 2023
Mr Johnson said the cyclonic winds meant beaches will not be the best place to escape the heat, as cyclone Gabrielle intensifies into a category three system.
“We are expecting pretty big seas tomorrow that will settle a bit on Sunday, but we will still be seeing some big swells and hazardous surf well into next week,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Surf Lifesaving services coordinator Shane Urban said he was expecting a busy weekend.
“Our lifeguards are preparing for a challenging weekend, we are predicting high tides and large swells,” Mr Urban said.
He said some beaches may be closed but lifeguards would put red and yellow flags up where appropriate.
“With the conditions expected there is going to be a lot of water movement and rips forming,” Mr Urban said.
He recommended those determined to hit the beach choose protected, flagged areas such as Mooloolaba and the Mooloolaba spit over more open stretches of the coast.
“We expect conditions that will draw people to the beach, not just locals, so we ask they be very mindful of their capabilities,” Mr Urban said.
“The unfortunate incidents we have had over the last few weeks show that we can respond more quickly if we can see you.”
The warning comes as the region records a horror-summer for beach deaths.
A 21-year-old Brisbane man, Jye Mattern was tragically swept out in a rip while swimming off Teewah Beach and never found.
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Originally published as Heatwave and hazardous swell: Sunshine Coast lifesavers prepare for hectic weekend
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