| Always check the weather before
you go out boating. Weather conditions can make the difference
between an enjoyable day out and a dangerous, perhaps tragic
trip. Remember that the weather can change suddenly and
without warning. A the first sight of worsening weather head for
shelter. Use the 5-day outlook to plan ahead.
Marine forecasts are almost always accurate when predicting
major weather events, such as gales. They can be less accurate
when predicting local changes of conditions, so you should
always be prepared for the unexpected.
When the wind starts to blow, the water becomes very rough,
very quickly, especially on lakes and rivers. Forecasts are
only the best prediction at any given time.
Make sure you always use a marine weather forecast.
Land and general forecasts do not take in to account wind
speed over water, which is double that over the land, or the
size of waves. If you are planning ahead or intend to be
away for a day or two, obtain a long range weather forecast.
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Coastal
and local marine weather forecasts consist of the following
parts:
Warnings
These are issued for gales or storms anywhere
on the New Zealand coast. A wind warning may be included in
local area forecasts if wind gusts are expected to reach 33
knots (about 60 km/hr).
Situation
A description of the position and movements
of highs, lows and frontal systems expected to affect the
New Zealand coast within the next 36 hours. It also names those areas affected by
warnings.
Forecast Details
A description, covering the next 24 hours
of expected average conditions over open water.
wind - direction, such as northwest, is the
direction the wind is expected to come from. Speed is given
in knots, and one knot is approximately 2 kilometres an hour.
This is an average speed so always expect that gusts may be
50% higher. Also allow for funnelling between headlands causing
the wind speed to double.
sea - a description of the
waves formed by the local wind. Always remember when the wind
opposes the tide a far worse sea state will occur.
swell - caused by longer
waves that come from the ocean. Swells increase in height
when they reach shallow water.
visibility - given when visibility
is expected to be less than 10 kilometres.
outlook - all marine
forecasts are for up to 48 hours with the outlook for a
further 3 days.
Wind and Tide
When the wind is opposing the tide, expect
a rougher sea.
When the wind is with the tide, expect a calmer
sea.
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