Saturday
Weather
There will be plenty of decent sunny breaks, especially in the east of the island. However, the W’ly breeze (light force 3 in the morning, moderate force 4 in the afternoon) will bring some low cloud to the windward slopes and the higher parishes. That cloud probably won’t be low enough to give mist or fog during the main hours of the day, but there is certainly a chance around dawn and then again overnight.
Surf and the Water
Pretty much flat with respect to surf. However, this will make for some lovely settled water for swimming and paddle-boarding, especially on the more sheltered east coast. Medium-large tidal movements, with highs at around 8:40 (am and pm) and low tide shortly before 3pm.
Sunday
Weather
The description of Sunday’s wind strength and temperature (day and night) is virtually the same as for Saturday. However the wind direction will be very slightly backed (WSW’ly), which will moisten the air a little and increase the cloud cover, as well as the chances of mist or fog patches. Once again, the sheltered east will most likely have the finest conditions.
Surf and the Water
The surf will be rather choppy but it should increase to a rideable size by the end of the day (2-3 feet and very weak). Once again, the east coast will be the best area for smooth-water activity. The tidal movements precisely the same size as on Saturday, but the highs and the low will all be about 40 minutes later in the day.
Monday to Wednesday
Weather
The first half of the week doesn’t promise much change from the weekend’s conditions, so I’ll just let you revisit that text rather than repeating it. The reason for this persistence is that the continuation of the W’ly airflow, due to the English Channel being caught between a low pressure system over Ireland and a ridge of high pressure that extends from the Azores to France. The fact that a low pressure system is so close to home does offer some hope of a little rain or drizzle, from the outer extremities of any weather-fronts that sweep across southern Britain. This currently looks most likely through the middle of Wednesday, but it really isn’t very certain I’m afraid and in the best case scenario (for thirsty lawns and fields) the most that we are likely to see is about 1-2mm.
Surf and the Water
For west-coast surfers, we are looking at three days of choppy sloppy 1-2 foot waves (maybe with the odd 3 footer for the luckiest searchers). And if you’re a swimmer or a paddle-boarder, then there will be lots of lovely smooth water along the east coast for you. High tides will be late mornings and low tides will be late afternoons.
Thursday and Friday
Weather
Much sunnier skies are likely to finish the week, due to a change of wind to a fresh NW’ly on Thursday, followed by a moderate NE’ly on Friday. Despite the increase in sunshine, Thursday will be on the chilly side, unless you go for a walk along the south coast cliff-paths or go and park yourself on the equally sheltered southern beaches. Friday is then likely to be a few degrees warmer in all parts of the island, with a most likely max of 25°C or perhaps even 26°C.
Surf and the Water
Still no decent surf on the cards, just the choppy sloppy stuff which is certainly better than nothing. As for the most sheltered and smoothest waters, there will be a few cosy nooks along the east coasts on Thursday and along the west coast on Friday, but the south coast will really be where it’s best on both days. High tides around midday, low tides around 6am and 6pm.
The next forecast update will be on either Sunday evening or Monday morning…
Previous Weather Fox ForecastsTide Tables
Swim Conditions
Ormering
Lihou Causeway