This past summer, the Australian coastline presented a tale of two coasts, a stark dichotomy that left many surfers scratching their heads and others rejoicing. Personally, I find these regional weather anomalies utterly fascinating because they highlight just how dynamic our planet's climate truly is, and how a seemingly small shift can have profound impacts on something as beloved as surf conditions.
The East Coast's Summer of Surfing Scarcity
For those on the eastern seaboard, particularly in southern New South Wales, this summer was, to put it mildly, a bust. It wasn't until March, well into what should have been autumn, that the Gold Coast finally saw its first significant swell event. This languid spell for the east coast was largely attributed to a persistent north-easterly wind flow, a setup that held firm throughout the entire summer. What makes this particularly disheartening is that this pattern effectively nullified the arrival of any decent swells. In my opinion, surfers in this region were left longing for the classic summer swells that they typically anticipate.
Western Australia's Surfing Bonanza
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent, Western Australia experienced a summer that could only be described as epic. Surfers there were treated to large to extra-large groundswells appearing with remarkable frequency, often every other week. To add to the good fortune, the winds were generally favorable, creating ideal conditions. This exceptional run extended to the usually temperamental South Australian Mid Coast, which enjoyed an extended period of quality surf, lasting for weeks rather than the more common fleeting day. From my perspective, this is the kind of summer that legends are made of, a testament to the power of the Southern Ocean.
Unraveling the Meteorological Mystery
What immediately stands out is the unusual Mean Sea Level Pressure anomaly chart for the summer months. Instead of the typical high-pressure system dominating the area south-west of the Bight, we saw lower-than-normal pressure. This anomaly, coupled with a significant low-pressure system over New Zealand, disrupted the usual summer pattern. The subtropical ridge, which normally shifts south and is the source of those coveted easterly trade swells, was conspicuously absent. What many people don't realize is how crucial this ridge is for east coast surf; its disappearance directly explains the lack of trade swells.
The Lingering Echoes of Stratospheric Warming
One thing that I find especially interesting is the potential link between this unusual weather pattern and Sudden Stratospheric Warming events that occurred the previous September. The downstream effects of these events can indeed persist, influencing storm tracks and weather systems well into the following seasons. This suggests a deeper, more complex interplay between the upper atmosphere and our surface weather than many might assume. It's a reminder that what happens high above can have tangible impacts down here, even affecting the waves we surf.
A Tale of Two Coasts, and the Exceptions
While the east coast lamented its lack of swell, some exposed stretches on the Sunshine Coast did manage to catch some fun, shoulder-to-head-high days with surprisingly light winds. Similarly, beaches east of Melbourne also saw some enjoyment thanks to favorable easterly winds and manageable swells. However, it was undeniably Western Australia that reaped the greatest rewards, with Southern Ocean storms delivering powerful groundswells without the accompanying onshore winds. This contrast is what makes this summer so remarkable; it wasn't just a little bit different, it was a fundamentally different experience depending on your location.
Looking Ahead: The Autumn Transition
As we’ve now turned the page to March, the east coast has seen a brief uptick in easterly swell energy, though it has since subsided. Personally, I'm watching with interest to see if this trend continues. While there's anticipation for some significant easterly swell from a developing tropical system, the southern states are looking at a prolonged period of southerly winds and subdued swell. This suggests that the full transition to autumn might still be a bit of a gradual affair, with lingering humidity and unpredictable patterns. It’s a reminder that nature rarely adheres to our neat seasonal calendars, and the surfing world, like the weather, is always in flux. What will next season bring?
