The Bureau of Meteorology is continuing to monitor the weather conditions closely over the coming days to provide vital information to the race crews and navigators in the 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, which commences on Boxing Day, Thursday 26 December 2024.
Bureau senior meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse has been providing a series of marine safety and weather briefings to navigators and crews in the lead-up to the race.
"At race start, we are expecting north to northeasterly winds, sunny skies and warm temperatures as the yachts exit the Heads," Ms Woodhouse said.
"Strong winds will develop on Boxing Day as the yachts head south along the NSW coast, and wind warnings are expected."
A trough is forecast to cross the south-east of the country on Friday morning, bringing a strong west to south-westerly wind change to Tasmanian waters and the Bass Strait.
"This west to southwesterly change will be strong and abrupt as it arrives early Friday morning, and may bring the chance of a shower or even a thunderstorm and possibly gale-force winds for a period."
During the weekend, northwest to southwesterly winds are likely to persist, but the focus will be on lighter winds forecast along the Tasmanian east coast.
The Bureau will continue to monitor the forecast and conditions, providing further briefings for crews and organisers ahead of the race start on Boxing Day, and during the race until the last yacht arrives in Hobart.
Another front or trough bringing a southwest to southeasterly change to the region is expected near or on New Year's Eve.
Navigators and crews will be kept across forecast information via regular updates, as well as information that is continuously updated on the Bureau's website, app and social media channels.
