View the current warnings for Queensland
Forecast issued at 3:00 am EST on Thursday 16 July 2026.
Weather Situation
A firm ridge of high pressure extends over the northern Queensland waters. The ridge will persist for the next several days as a high moves east across southeastern Australia, weakening a slightly over the weekend.
Forecast for Thursday until midnight
Strong Wind Warning for Thursday for Cairns Coast
- Winds
- Southeasterly 20 to 30 knots.
- Seas
- 1.5 to 2.5 metres.
- Swell
- Southeasterly below 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 2 metres outside the reef.
- Weather
- Mostly sunny.
Friday 17 July
Strong Wind Warning for Friday for Cairns Coast
- Winds
- Southeasterly 15 to 25 knots, reaching up to 30 knots offshore north of Cairns during the morning and early afternoon.
- Seas
- 1.5 to 2.5 metres.
- Swell
- Southeasterly 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning.
- Weather
- Partly cloudy.
Saturday 18 July
- Winds
- Southeasterly 15 to 25 knots.
- Seas
- Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 2 metres outside the reef.
- Swell
- Southeasterly below 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 2 metres outside the reef.
- Weather
- Partly cloudy. 50% chance of showers.
Please be awareWind and wave forecasts are averages. Wind gusts can be 40 per cent stronger than the forecast, and stronger still in squalls and thunderstorms. Maximum waves can be twice the forecast height.
Nearby Coastal Waters
- See detailed wind and wave forecasts on MetEye
- This forecast is also available via scheduled broadcasts on marine radio.
- Latest Coastal Observations
- Tide Predictions
- Marine Knowledge Centre - explanations and definitions
The next routine forecast will be issued at 9:00 am EST Thursday.
Product IDQ11304