Sunday, August 19, 2007

Weekly report for 20/08/07 – 27/08/07

Rainfall – The weekend has been average weather, with some rain periods. Currently it is overcast with sunny patches. The forecast is for this to continue with a fine day Tuesday and an increase in showers by Wednesday as the trough moves onshore again.

There is a coastal wind warning current: It will be updated at http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/ and you will need to check to see what happens….it looks as if winds will moderate later in the week, so this would seem to be the best time to visit the reef.

The nightwalks have seen a bit more wildlife lately…the increase in temperature and humidity has improved sightings of reptiles and amphibians. The rainforest always looks better in the rain, and land based activities are largely unaffected by wind and rain.

NO RAIN = NO RAINFOREST!

Coastal Waters Wind Warning
For Lockhart River to Cairns
Issued at 5:00 am EST on Monday 20 August 2007

Synoptic Situation
A firm ridge lies through central Queensland and along the east tropical coast. A weak trough over the central northern Coral Sea is expected to deepen slightly and move west during today.

Strong Wind Warning

Lockhart River to Cairns
Expect S/SE winds 25/30 knots. Seas rising 2.5 to 3 metres outside the reef, and to 1.8 metres inside the reef.

The next warning will be issued by 11 am AEST.

Please be aware - Wind gusts can be a further 40 percent stronger than the averages given here, and maximum waves may be up to twice the height.

NOTE THAT THIS WEATHER APPLIES TO ALL AREAS AROUND CAIRNS NOT JUST US!!!

IDQ1005005
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Scattered coastal showers and isolated inland showers, clearing during the morning to a fine afternoon throughout. Mild with cloud generally decreasing and moderate southeast winds, fresh at times about the coast.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Fine throughout.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated showers developing during the afternoon and
evening.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
A strong wind warning is current for waters north of Cairns.
Monday until midnight: S/SE winds 25/30 knots north of Cairns, 20/25 knots south of Cairns. Seas 2.2 to 2.6 metres outside the reef and to 1.6 metres inside the reef. Light rain periods.
Tuesday: SE winds 20/25 knots south of Cairns. SE winds 25/30 knots north of Cairns, easing during the day to 20/25 knots. Seas 2.2 to 2.6 metres outside the reef and to 1.6 metres inside the reef. Light rain easing.
Wednesday: SE winds 20/25 knots, easing to 15/20 knots during the day.
Thursday: SE winds 15/20 knots, increasing to 20/25 knots during the afternoon.

Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open with no flooding, there are minor delays at Thompson Creek just north of Coconut Beach due to roadworks. There is single lane section there with a give way sign for northbound traffic. Drivers need to be aware of cassowaries with many crossing the road at present, some males with chicks.

The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and has been half graded. Graded sections are very slippery after rain. Cowie Range north side has boogy patches between the concrete sections which are challenging. Drivers need to drive to the conditions to avoid accidents. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are less than knee deep and Emmagen Creek is very loose and requires 4WD. Trailers should not be taken on the road at present.

Tides – Early in the week the tides are neap with very little movement at all, except a moderate high early evening. Later in the week there are moderate highs in the morning and lows early afternoon, perfect for beach walks. From Thursday the evening tides are quite high

The area is very busy at present and tours and accommodation needs to be pre – booked to avoid disappointment. There are small queues at the Ferry during peak times however the wait is rarely more than one ferry trip.

Cheers

Lawrence Mason

Manager, Mason's Tours Cape Tribulation

CMA 4,Cape Tribulation, Qld 4873
Phone 40980070 Int 61 7 40980070
Fax 40980026 Int 61 7 40980026
Mobile/Cell 0427012772
www.masonstours.com.au