View the current warnings for Queensland
Forecast issued at 3:00 am EST on Thursday 21 May 2026.
Weather Situation
A firm ridge extends across northern Queensland from a large high [1029 hPa] drifting slowly east across southern Australia. The ridge will persist for several days, weakening a little by the weekend.
Forecast for Thursday until midnight
Strong Wind Warning for Thursday for Townsville Coast
- Winds
- Southeasterly 15 to 25 knots, reaching up to 30 knots offshore south of Cape Bowling Green early in the morning.
- Seas
- 1 to 2 metres.
- Swell
- Easterly below 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres outside the reef.
- Weather
- Mostly sunny.
Friday 22 May
- Winds
- Southeasterly 10 to 15 knots, reaching up to 25 knots offshore early in the morning.
- Seas
- 1 to 1.5 metres.
- Swell
- Easterly around 1 metre outside the reef, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning.
- Weather
- Mostly sunny.
Saturday 23 May
- Winds
- Southeasterly 10 to 15 knots.
- Seas
- Around 1 metre.
- Swell
- Easterly 1 to 1.5 metres outside the reef, decreasing to around 1 metre during the morning.
- Weather
- Sunny.
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 IDQ11305