Tristan Meyers, 29 Jan 2015, 1:53 AM UTC
East Coast Low means swimming a no-go this weekend
An East Coast Low (ECL) is swirling just off the eastern VIC generating gusty winds for Tasmania, Victoria and southern NSW.
Although an ECL looks like a cyclone on a synoptic chart, there are several differences. While cyclones form via cyclogenesis in warm water where a water temperature of above 26 C is required, ELC's can form in much cooler water. They can be triggered by a large temperature differences between the air over the Tasman Sea and the air over eastern Australia.
Well, why should you care about this weather system? ECL's can generate gale force winds and thus create large, dangerous seas.
Surf Life Savers across NSW are sure to be on the alert this weekend since the weather is expected to warm up again this Friday and into the weekend in the Sydney Basin. Many people will be off to the beach to bask in summer weather before school gets into full swing. It is important for patrons of the beach to be aware of the hazardous surfing and swimming conditions - swell will increase from 3-4 feet today up to 6 feet tomorrow for the the Sydney Coast.
Wave heights are expected to ease slightly this Saturday, but still remain quite large at 5-6 feet. By Sunday, the ECL is looking to track southeast towards our neighbours in New Zealand where it will dissipate.
For current warnings coastal wind warnings pertaining to this intense low pressure system, refer to http://www.weatherzone.com.au/warnings.jsp?lt=wzstate&lc=nsw
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