Weekend weather report for Albany’s beachgoers, surfers and anglers

The forecast for the weekend is looking to be partly cloudy with a predominantly south-easterly wind direction and a 5 per cent chance of rain and temperatures in the low 20s.

Saturday is forecast to have light winds becoming south to south-easterly winds at 15-25km/h then becoming light during the evening.

On Sunday, the wind is forecast to swing more easterly with light winds becoming east to southeasterly 25-35 km/h during the morning.

Saturday’s time will be low in the early morning, 0.47m at 5.59am, before rising to 0.75m just after mid-day, then again rising to 0.80m by 8.24pm.

Sunday’s time will be low at 5.59am in the morning and rising to 0.93m at 8.07pm.

The south coast’s west-facing beaches will again provide offshore/cross-shore conditions with the light winds in the morning possibly offering some reprieve from the “beasterly”.

Saturday morning’s light southerly winds may open up protected surf beaches such as Ocean Beach, and popular swimming spots such as Misery Beach.

Sunday’s stronger easterly winds will make beaches like Gull Rock more desirable options.

Shelter Island at Mutton Bird Beach can also provide good protection from the easterly, particularly in the morning before the breeze picks up.

Swell wise, Saturday is a predicted 1.5-2m SSW primary swell, increasing to 2-3m offshore.

A secondary SE wind swell of 0.5-1m is also forecasted.

On Sunday, the swell looks set to drop slightly into the 1.5m range from Saturday’s 2m before rising back towards 2m in the afternoon.

For surfers, the 1.5-2m swell may offer some fun waves on Albany’s exposed west-facing beaches provided the swell remains on the smaller side.

Ocean beach may also offer some fun waves on Saturday with the point protecting the breach from the light southerly in the morning.

As always, exercise caution and check conditions on the day, DoT live swell buoy is an invaluable tool for live swell reports.

For anglers, the rivers offer good protection from the wind, with lighter winds this weekend offering more opportunities to get out on the water wind and seas permitting.

Sunday sees the wind picking up and swinging east with strong winds presenting dangerous conditions on the open water.

This time of year, you can find squid, herring and whiting in the waters of the sound while black brim and the occasional Mulloway can be found up the rivers.

As always, it is best to exercise caution when surfing, swimming or fishing, know your conditions and stick within your limits.

There is no substitute for checking yourself on the day and making an informed judgment call.