Saturday
Weather
The fresh force 5 NE’ly wind and the slight to moderate sea was enough for Condor to cancel the fast ferry to Jersey. However mind-boggling that decision might have been, there’s no denying that the wind will be a minor irritant, to the same extent that it was on Friday, meaning that you will have to nestle up against the west-coast sea-walls or the south-coast cliffs if you want to sit on the beach without getting sand-blasted or feeling too chilly. As for the sunshine, it won’t be quite as plentiful as on Friday but we will still get to enjoy some reasonably bright skies (max temp 15°C). It won’t be until sunset and then the overnight period that we are likely to catch a few showers, most likely only accumulating about 1mm of rainfall by the end of the night, so unfortunately not providing anywhere near as much as farmers have been hoping for.
Surf and the Water.
Just a hint of a west-coast wave on the pushing tide in the morning, but considering the cross-shore wind, you would probably find just as much power in the short-period onshore chop up at Pembroke. South-coast swimming will definitely be the best water-based activity on this day, especially when the tide is high (roughly 7.3m at lunchtime) so the cliffs will be offering maximum shelter.
Sunday
Weather
If you are an early Sunday riser then you will probably see cloudy skies and a few brief showers (probably a further 1mm of rain). However, if you like a lie-in then you might be greeted by sunshine when you finally draw the curtains. The afternoon is certainly looking like the sunniest portion of the weekend, but the NE’ly wind will still be rather perky. Just a moderate force 4 on this occasion, so not as feisty as Saturday, but it would still be best to hit the south coast if you want to find some proper shelter, and make the most of the 15°C max temp.
Surf and the Water
Flat surf out west, but smooth swimming down south. Small tidal movements… high water will be about 6.8m at lunchtime, low water will be about 3.8m around sunset.
Monday to Wednesday
Weather
These three days will be different from the back end of the week, because of extra sunshine and slightly more favourable winds. Those winds will still be NE’ly on Monday but they will veer to a due E’ly direction for Tuesday and Wednesday, making our longest coast - the west coast feel much less exposed and therefore a bit more comfortable. The strength of the breeze will be a bit up and down, varying between light force 3 and fresh force 5. Max temps will be about 13-14°C, so nothing to get excited about, but no cooler than we have come to expect in late April. Max UV index, generally 5 but perhaps 6, so a bit of sun-cream would certainly be a good idea.
Surf and the Water
More flat surf but smooth water for swimmers. The south coast will be best again on Monday, but the west coast will be where it’s at on Tuesday and Wednesday. High water will certainly be the best time to take a dip on those days… Tuesday will be roughly 7.4m at 4:40pm, Wednesday will be roughly 8.8m at 5:30pm.
Thursday and Friday
Weather
A little cloudier than the previous few days, with an increasing likelihood of showers due to a developing low pressure system over Biscay and Brittany. The wind will be a firm NE’ly again, probably fresh force 5 for the most part, meaning that you will really have to find some shelter to feel any benefit from the 13-14°C max temps.
Surf and the Water
If it’s possible for the surf to get any flatter then this is when it’s going to happen. By the end of this week the clarity of the water will probably be incredible. That said, the wind will still make many areas less than comfortable for swimmers, so the sheltered south coast will really be the best option. I’ve only recently discovered that the Petit Port steps have been closed for a while. However, that will really be the cream of the crop, if you fancy wandering that way from Moulin Huet, or maybe going there by boat or paddle-board. Jaonnet Bay should also be a winner, due to some fairly low tides (Thursday’s will be roughly 1.6m soon after midday, and Friday’s will be roughly 1.3m at 1pm).
The next forecast update will be on Monday evening…
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Swim Conditions
Ormering
Lihou Causeway