Sunday, January 20, 2008

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 21/1/08 - 27/1/08

To sum up last week in a word….hot. For once it is raining everywhere else in Qld EXCEPT the Daintree Coast. We have had lovely fine hot days with the odd afternoon heat storm. From the looks of the forecast there is more to come.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTContinuing sultry with mostly light NW to SW winds and afternoon coastal seabreezes. Isolated showers during the afternoon with some local thunderstormsinland. Showers tending scattered tonight as winds turn SE and freshen. Outlook for Tuesday ... Showers and isolated thunderstorms with some moderateto heavy falls near the coast south of Cairns.Outlook for Wednesday ... Showers with moderate to heavy falls chiefly coastand ranges.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:A strong wind warning has been issued for Tuesday.Monday until midnight: W/SW winds 10/15 knots at first with seas to 1.2 metres. S/SE winds at 15/20 knots developing over far southern waters during the morning then spreading across most areas south of Cooktown by evening. Seas rising to 1.7 metres outside the reef. Showers and isolated thunderstorms increasing to rain in the south.Tuesday: SE winds 15/20 knots increasing to 20/30 knots by late in the day. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef rising to 2.5 metres late in the day. Seas to 1.2 metres inside the reef rising to 1.7 metres. Showers and isolated storms.Wednesday: SE winds 20/30 knots.
The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day.
Tides are high in the morning tending to midday later in the week.