Weather

Weather Forecast Saturday 2nd June

Synopsis: A complex front associated with deep low pressure over the north-central Atlantic is move east and northeast toward Ireland and France. Around the vicinity of the race fleet, a cold front extends from 48N/17W to 47N/11W on to 43N/06W. A trough is following closely in the wake of the cold front extends from 48N/16W to 44N/14W to 38N/14W. Meanwhile, high pressure (1029mb) is located near Iceland with a ridge extending southeast Scotland to a second high (1019mb) over the southern North Sea.

Ahead of the cold front, winds are fresh SE'ly to just southwest of Fastnet, where the wind backs E'ly and eases. Behind the cold front, winds ease and veer to S and then SW behind the trough following in its wake. Forecasts call for the front to move northeast to lie from Fastnet to Lands End by 18Z/02. The wind will shift abruptly from E/ESE to WSW/W across this frontal boundary as it moves north.

When the front is near Fastnet or a little further north over southern Ireland and the Celtic Sea, a low pressure (1004mb) will develop and move to 52N/07W by 00Z/03. At the same time, a new high pressure ridge will be developing off the coast of Portugal. The ridge will help to tighten the gradient south of the low pressure, leading to fresh to strong W/WSW winds between Fastnet and Ushant. Further south and east into the Bay of Biscay, winds will veer WNW and east to moderate strength.

General Forecast along the race route:

 SATURDAY (02-JUN-2012)
 10W/15W BETWEEN 45N/50N
WIND: SE/S 10-20 veering WSW/W 15-20, increasing to 20-25 north later in the period.
WEATHER: Cloudy with showers and a few squalls at first. Becoming partly cloudy.
SEA: 2-3m

 05W/10W BETWEEN 45n/50n
WIND: ESE/SE 15-20, easing and shifting WSW/W from west to east and increasing to 15-25.
WEATHER: Cloudy with showers and a few squalls. Risk of rain ends after the wind shift.
SEA: 1-2m

 10W/15W BETWEEN 50N/52N
WIND: SE/ESE 20-25 gusting 30, easing from south to north and shifting W 10-20 later in the period.
WEATHER: Increasing clouds with fog and rain developing. A few embedded squalls possible. Rain easing after wind shift.
SEA: 2-3m

 05W/10W BETWEEN 50n/52n
WIND: E/ESE 10-15 increasing to 15-20 and tending SE. W'ly shift building 20-25 arrives from south to north later in the period.
WEATHER: Becoming cloudy with fog. Rain developing during the day, ending late. A few squalls possible. Rain easing later in the period.
SEA: 1-3m

 SATURDAY (02-JUN-2012)
 05W/10W BETWEEN 45n/50n
WIND: W 15-25 veering WNW later in the period.
WEATHER: Scattered showers in the north, otherwise mainly fine.
SEA: 1-3m, roughest in the north.

 BAY OF BISCAY
WIND: W 15-20 veering WNW and increasing 20-25.
WEATHER: Scattered showers along the coast, especially near Brest. Otherwise partly cloudy
SEA: 1-3m

 OUTLOOK FOR MONDAY (04-JUN-2012)
Low pressure will be slow to move from the Celtic Sea to southwestern England, deepening gradually with time. A high pressure center will develop off Cape Finisterre. This pattern will maintain a moderate to fresh NW gradient from the western approaches to the English Channel and east of Ushant, moderating slightly as a WNW flow into the Bay of Biscay.

Weather Forecast Thursday 31st May

Synopsis: A strong low pressure over the north-central Atlantic Ocean continues to dominate the with winds and weather over the fleet. The low (971mb) is centered near 49N/32W with an occluded front extending east of the low to 50N/22W. From that point, a cold front extends south-southwest to 42N/24W then on to 31N/34W. Ahead of this front, strong S'ly winds with some GALE FORCE gusts extend east to 20W. West of the front, winds veer to SW and ease for a time, but then much stronger sustained GALE FORCE winds are present around the southeast quadrent of the low center west of aboutn 26W and north of 41N. To the east, a high pressure (1024mb) is over the Bay of Biscay near 47N/06W. A ridge extends southwest of the high to 39N/15W off the Portuguese coast, onward to 29N/24W.

Over the next 24 hours, the low pressure will fill slightly (976mb) and move west to 51N/34W. The occluded front will move north to 55N while the cold front slows and starts to weaken along 19W. Winds ahead of this front will be slowly easing and backing toward the SSE.  A secondary cold front or trough will rotate around the southeastern periphery of the low, lying 44N/28W to 36N/31W at 00Z/01. Meanwhile, the high pressure (1023mb) will move to 49N/07W, with a ridge extending southwest to 44N/14W, then south along 14W. Lighter winds will be expanding west south and southwest of Ireland in the anti-cyclonic flow around the high center.

During the next 12 hours, a low pressure wave (1007mb) will form on the first cold front to be near 40N/19W by 12Z/01. This wave will accelerate SE winds ahead of it, and push the cold front south of it further east. The low will move to the northwest and eventually wash out near 52N/23W by 00Z/02. The secondary front/trough will move northeast to extend from 51N/25W to 43N/18W by 00Z/02. A broad W/SW flow of moderate strength will follow behind the trough.

High pressure will move rapidly north to the Celtic Sea by 12Z/01, then continue into the British Isles to become absorbed into a ridge over northern Ireland and central/northern England. A building SE'ly flow around the southwestern periphery of this ridge will extend from the southwestern Irish coast out to the cold front.

General Forecast along the race route:

THURSDAY (31-MAY-2012)
21W/26W BETWEEN 37N/40N
GALE FORCE GUSTS POSSIBLE  
WIND: S/SSW 25-30 gusting 35. A shift to SW/WSW will move west to east across the forecast zone through the period. After the shift, winds will ease to 5-15 for a time before becoming SW 15-25.
WEATHER: Rain and squalls likely. Easing to showers and a few scattered squalls after this shift.
SEA: 3-4m

20W/25W BETWEEN 40N/45N
GALE FORCE
WIND: S 25-35 easing 15-20 then shifting SW/SSW 15-20.
WEATHER: Cloudy with squalls likely. Squalls easing to showers through the period from west to east.
SEA: 3-4m, rough and confused decreasing 2-3m with time.

15W/20W BETWEEN 40N/45N
WIND: S/SSW 15-25. Some gusts 30+ western sections at first. Becoming SSE except easting and becoming variable west of 19W later in the period.
WEATHER: Showers and a few squalls possible.
SEA: 2-3m

15W/20W BETWEEN 45N/50N
GALE FORCE
WIND: S 20-30 possibly 25-35 for a time in the west. Easing west of 18W later in the period. Tending SSE 20-25 gusting 30 east of 18W.
WEATHER: Cloudy with rain and squalls in the west. Showers in the east.
SEA: 3-4m

 10W/15W BETWEEN 45n/50n
WIND: S 15-20 in the west and 10-15 in the east. Tending SSE/SE, especially south of 47N.
WEATHER: Some showers possible in the west, otherwise mainly fine.
SEA: 2-3m

 FRIDAY (01-JUN-2012)
 20W/25W BETWEEN 40N/45N
WIND: S 20-25, easing and veering SW 15-20. Additional veer to WSW/W arrives from the west through the period.
WEATHER: Frequent showers and a few squalls. Some rain likely in the east.
SEA: 2-4m

 15W/20W BETWEEN 40N/45N
WIND: S/SSE 20-25 except SE 10-20 in the east. Shifting SW 15-20 from west to east through the period.
WEATHER: Cloudy with showers likely.
SEA: 3-4m

 15W/20W BETWEEN 45N/50N
WIND: S backing SE 15-25. Some periods to 30 possible. Shifting SW 15-25 from south to north through the zone later in the period.
WEATHER: Cloudy with showers and squalls likely.
SEA: 2-3m

 10W/15W BETWEEN 45n/50n
WIND: SSE/SE 10-15 tending SE and increasing to 15-20 gusting 25 in the west. A shift to SW progress approximately halfway across the zone later in the period.
WEATHER: Cloudy with showes and a few squalls likely.
SEA: 2-3m

OUTLOOK FOR SATURDAY (02-JUN-2012)
Low pressure will continue to retrograde to the west out over the central Atlantic, with a gradually easing wind field around it. Moderating SW'ly winds will be spreading toward Ireland behind the cold/occluded front moving northeast. By 12Z/02, the front will lie from  54N/25W to 49N/08W. Ahead of the front, winds will be moderate SE'ly. Generally, more benign weather conditions should be approaching Fastnet with time.

Weather Forecast Monday 28th May

Synopsis: The Azores high is getting pushed well to the south and west, but a ridge extending northeast of the high from 30N/23W to near Vigo. The high is getting forced southwest by a Low pressure (1003mb) which is located near 45N/30W and an associated cold front extending southeast to just east of Santa Maria then southwest to 33N/34W. A secondary cold front extends out of the low to 43N/25W on to 39N/28W and 38N/33W. Weather and winds across the race route will be dominate by the movements of this low and front for the next day, with fresh SSW winds and squalls ahead of the first veering to W/SW.

Over the next 24 hours, the low will deepen (1001mb) and move to 49N/20W. The first cold front will weaken as it moves east and encounters the ridge off the east coast of Iberia. The ridge will shift further south and east on the pressure of this front, but by 00Z/29, the first front will be more or less disipating around 14W. The secondary front will also weaken as it moves east, becoming almost insignificant by tomorrow. A trough of low pressure will mover around the southwest quadrant of the primary low pressure center, accelerating SW'ly south of the low center first north of the Azores later today where some Gales may occur, then in the waters between 40N and 44n around 20W by 00Z/29. A minor ridge of high pressure will east winds over the Azores for a time.

By 00Z/30, the first low will move north and west to become absorbed into the larger circulation of a storm off the east coast of Newfoundland near 40W. A front assocaited with this new low will move quickly east to enter the western Azores by 00Z/30. At the same time, a rapidly intensifying low will move east along 42N from 45W. This deepening low could be a significant storm by 12Z/30, somewhere in the vicinity of 43N/37W.

General Forecast along the race route:

 MONDAY (28-MAY-2012)
 16W/21W BETWEEN 36N/41N  
WIND: SSW backing S from west to east 20-30. Some squalls arrive from the west then shifting SW 15-20 gusting 25. Late veering to WSW from west to east later in the period.
WEATHER: Increasing clouds with a chance of showers developing from the west. A few squalls possible.
SEA: 2-3m.

 21W/26W BETWEEN 37N/40N  
WIND: SW shifting WSW 15-25. Locally gusting 30, but gusts easing through the period.
WEATHER: Cloudy with squalls early in the period east of 22W. Then partly cloudy with scattered showers possible over all the area.
SEA: 1-3m

 TUESDAY (29-MAY-2012)
 21W/26W BETWEEN 37N/40N  
WIND: Mainly WSW 15-20 easing 10-15. Then backing SW 10-15 with time. Building 15-20 from west to east later in the period.
WEATHER: Fine at first, then increasing clouds with a chacne of showers arriving in the west later in the period.
SEA: 1-3m

 20W/25W BETWEEN 40N/45N
WIND: W/WSW 20-30 at first, easing to 15-20 and backing SW/SSW. Increasing S 20-30 near 25W later in the period, with an abupt shift to SW and easing possible at the end of the forecast period.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy with scattered showers. Some squalls arrive in the west later in the period.
SEA: 2-4m

 OUTLOOK FOR WEDNESDAY (30-MAY-2012)
As noted above, a deep low pressure (975mb) is forecast to be near 43N/36W with a strong cold front approaching the western Azores. Strong S'ly winds will be spreading east of the front south of 46N and east to 20W. Some local Gales are possible just ahead of the front which is likely to be close to 25W by the end of the day. Meanwhile, a ridge of high pressure will continue from west of Madeira to the Bay of Biscay. A high center will develop over the Bay of Biscay during the day on Wednesday.

Weather from Sunday 27th May

Synopsis: Low pressure (1005mb) located near 47N/12W is forecast to slowly weaken while moving north over the next 24 hours. By 00Z/28, the low (1007mb) will be located near 49N/12W. The Azores high pressure (1024mb) is centered near 35N/18W and weakening as it elongates southwestward in a ridge. By 00Z/28, the Azores high (1025mb) will reposition to the vicinity of 29N/28W, with a ridge extending northeast to near Vigo, Spain. A zone of moderate W'ly winds lies between the high pressure and the low to the north, with stronger winds north of 40N, and generally easing winds with distance to the south of 40N. For all tbe waters close to Portugal, the entire wind field

To the west, low pressure (1007mb) near 44N/35W supports an occlusion east to near 42N/27W, then a cold front to just west of the Azores and onto the southwest near 36N/36W. by 00Z/28, the low and frontal complex will move east to 44N/31W with the front located along 22W east of the Azores, wrapping southwest to 34N/36W. Moderate to fresh SSW/SW winds ahead of the front will shift to WSW/W behing the front. There may be some strong squalls a short distance ahead of and along the front.

By 00Z/29, low pressure will deepen (997mb) and move east northeast to 48N/20W with a broad flow moderate to fresh W'ly winds south and southwest of the low. Southeast of the low stronger SSE/S winds will be present between 40N and 48N. A new low pressure and frontal system will be moving east out of the waters southeast of Newfoundland.

General Forecast along the race route:

SUNDAY (27-MAY-2012)

10w/15W BETWEEN 36N/41N

WIND: North of 39N, mainly WSW/SW 10-15 except lighter in the south. South of 39N, variable N/NW east of 12W. West of 12W, shifting SW 5-10, increasing to 10-15 near 15W.
WEATHER: Mostly to partly sunny conditions.
SEA: Mainly swell. 1m in the south increasing to 1-2m in the north. 

15W/20W BETWEEN 36N/41N

WIND: Generally SW tending SSW from west to east. 10-15 in the east and 13-18 in the west. Increasing to 15-20 and possibly 20-25 in the west, later in the period.
WEATHER: Increasing clouds
SEA: Mainly swell with some SW'ly chop. 1-2m, increasing to 2-3m from the west.

MONDAY (28-MAY-2012)
10W/15W BETWEEN 36N/41N 
WIND: Light and variable near 10W, becoming SW 10-15 increasing to 15-20 from the west with time. A late shift to WSW, enters the western zone late in the period and moves from west to east.
WEATHER: Increasing clouds with a chance of showers in the west, late in the period.
SEA: Mainly swell waves 1m in the south up to 2m in the north.

15W/20W BETWEEN 36N/41N

WIND: SW backing S from west to east 15-25. Some squalls arrive from the west then shifting W 15-20. Late backing to WSW from west to east later in the period.
WEATHER: Increasing clouds with a chance of showers developing from the west. A few squalls in the west later in the period.
SEA: 2-3m.

20W/25W BETWEEN 37N/40N 
WIND: East of 22W, SW 20-25 gusting 30 at first, but shifting W 20-25 with some squalls likely. West of 22W, WSW 15-20 gusting 25. Generally building WSW/SW 20-25 from west to east later in the period.
WEATHER: Cloudy with squalls early in the period east of 22W. The partly cloudy with scattered showers all area.
SEA: 1-3m

OUTLOOK FOR TUESDAY (29-MAY-2012)

The low pressure southwest of Ireland will move north and northwest to be eventually absorbed into the larger circulation around low pressure southeast of Newfoundland. A cold front associated with this low will be moving east from 30W. Ahead of the front a moderate SW'ly flow regime will be established between the Azores and Ireland, generally stronger in the west closer to the low pressure/front and lighter in the east, closer to a ridge of high pressure extending northeast off the west coast of Iberia.

Weather Forecast from Sat 26th May

Low pressure (1005mb) is southwest of Ireland near 47N/14W. High pressure (1025mb) is locationed south of the Azores with a center near 33N/28W. Broad W/NW flow lies between the low pressure and Azores high into the central Iberian coast off Lisbon. A ridge extends north of the Azores high along 23W. The storm track across the North Atlantic is becoming very active with another low moving east off of Newfoundland and a front extending east to 45N/30W before curving southwest to 37N/36W.

Over the next 24 hours, the low pressure southwest of Ireland will deepen (1003mb) and move slowly to be centered near 46N/13W. The Azores high (1024mb) will shift east-northeast to be near 36N/18W with easing W'lies south of about 39N between 20W and the Portuguese coast. Developments west and northwest of the Azores will point to more active weather over the central Atlantic Ocean as a low pressure wave develops on the front, moving to approx 38N/33W (1008mb) by 00Z/27. SW winds will begin to increase from west to east across the Azores in advance of this low/front.

By 00Z/27, the primary Azores high center will shift well to the south and west to west of the Canary Islands. A ridge will remain off the Atlantic coast of the Portugal. The front sweeps across the Azores quickly early on the 27th, with S/SW winds ahead of it shifting to W'ly. The shift is short-lived, as a low (1003mb) near 44N/29W will cause winds to back left toward the WSW gradually in the hours after the frontal passage. Winds will be fresh to strong ahead of the front in the S/SW wind, and fresh in the W/SW regime behind the front.

SATURDAY (26-MAY-2012)
Lisbon/12w BETWEEN 37n/41n 
WIND: East of 10W, NNW/NW 10-15. West of 10W, backing from NW to WNW 10-15. Wind generally stronger north of 39N by about 5 knots.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy. Some showers and isolated squalls, especially west of 10W.
SEA: 1m at the coast, increasing to 2-3m west of 10W.

12W/17W BETWEEN 37N/41N
WIND: Mainly W, tending WSW in the west. 10-15 south of 39N, 15-20 north of 39N.
WEATHER: Variable clouds with a chance of showers or squalls, especially north of 40N.
SEA: 2-3m, less in the south, rougher in the north.

SUNDAY (27-MAY-2012)
12w/17W BETWEEN 37N/41N
WIND: W tending SW with time. 10-15 near 12W, increasing to 15-20 west of 16W. Generally a little stronger north of 40N.
WEATHER: Increasing clouds in the west.
SEA: 2-3m 

17W/22W BETWEEN 37N/41N
WIND: SW 15-20, increasing to 20-25 from west to east.
WEATHER: Cloudy with a chance of some showers and squalls arriving from the west through the period.
SEA: 2-4m

OUTLOOK FOR MONDAY (28-MAY-2012)
The cold front will lie half way between Lisbon and the Azores early on the 28th, moving to about 13W by the end of the day. Low pressure will move roughly west to east along 47N, keeping winds fresh from the SW behind the front. WSW winds are forecast over the Azores and moderate to fresh strength. Another frontal system will be moving in from the west out of the central Atlantic.

Weather Forecast for Wednesday May 23rd

Synopsis: High pressure (1022mb) lies approximate halfway between Lisbon and Madeira near 36N/14W. A sharp ridge of high pressure extends northeast of this high center to off Cape Finisterre and to a second high (1024mb) over the central Bay of Biscay. East of this high pressure ridge, a N/NE gradient flow is in place across southern Portugal and southwestern Spain. Diurnal effects will drive daytime sea breezes, especially along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts around the Gulf fo Cadiz.

Tomorrow, the general weather pattern changes little. The high pressure ridge off the Portuguese coast will remain in place, protecting the N'ly winds along the coast from the advancement of a cold front out of the central Atlantic. This ridge should stay in place and possibly even shift back to the west with time, leading to a reinforcement of the N/NE gradient between Lisbon and Portimao. This gradient will back left in the afternoon and accelerate from the NW with thermal effects.

General Forecast along the race route:

WEDNESDAY (23-MAY-2012)
GIBRALTAR STRAITS
WIND: Becoming E'ly 5-10 in the morning, increasing to E 15-20 over the western Straits during the afternoon. THe stronger winds will persiste aboutn 20-40nm west of the strait, before rapidly easing in lighter NE gradient.
WEATHER: Clear.
SEA: 1m or less.

GULF OF CADIZ
WIND: N/NNE 5-10 through the early morning. easing to variable after sunrise. Sea breeze develop from the SW near the Spanish coast 5-10 knots except locally up to 15 knots near the coast.
WEATHER: Clear except for coastal cumulus in the afternoon thermal.
SEA: Less than 1m inner gulf, increasing to 2m near the open Atlantic.

PORTUGUESE COAST FROM LISBON TO PORTIMAO
WIND: NE 5-10 near the coast in the morning. During the late morning through afternoon, backing to NW 12-18 knots. Some local acceleration to 20 knots later in the afternoon. Easing after sunset and veering N/NE.
WEATHER: Mainly clear except some cloud along the coast in the afternoon.
SEA: 2m swell. Swell less closer to the coast.

Thursday (24-MAY-2012)
GULF OF CADIZ
WIND: Mainly N/NE 5-10. Veering NE/E around sunrise. Becoming light and variable along the coast late morning with a SW/S 5-10 near the shore in the afternoon. Generally becoming S'ly 10 knots later afternoon and evening.
WEATHER: Mainly clear. Thermal cumulus along the coast in the afternoon.
SEA: 1m or less.

PORTUGUESE COAST FROM LISBON TO PORTIMAO
WIND: N/NNE 5-10 in the morning. Backing to NW later morning through afternoon and increasing to 10-15 knots early/mid-afternoon, 15-20 knots later afternoon and evening. After sunset, easing and backing N/NNE 5-10 knots.
WEATHER: Mainly clear. Some cloud along the coast in the afternoon and early evening.
SEA: 2m swell. Swell less closer to the coast.

OUTLOOK FOR FRIDAY (24-MAY-2012)
High pressure will shift southwest off of Portugal while the ridge weakens. This will back the gradient along the Portuguese coast to NW at moderate strength. Conditions in the Gulf of Cadiz will remain light and variable with coastal sea breeze in the afternoon.

Weather Forecast Tuesday 22nd May

After a period of strong upwind sailing conditions in near-Gale Force W/SW winds south of Spain, rapidly moderating conditions are forecast as high pressure moves in from the north Atlantic. In fact, much lighter winds are expected for most of the last portion of this leg.

High pressure (1025mb) located near 35N/17W extends a ridge northeast to the portuguese coast is moving northeast and will be located near 38N/12W (1022mb) by 00Z/23. Meanwhile, the ridge will continue to extend northeast toward Bay of Biscay with a new high center developing in the Bay by 00Z/23.

Fresh to strong W'ly winds blowing out of the Gibraltar Strait across the waters south of Spain are expected to gradually ease over the next 24 hours as the high pressure ridge weakens the existing gradient. Winds will become light and move variable today with local sea breezes along the Spanish and Moroccan coast during the afternoon. W'ly winds will eventually become E'ly over these waters by tomorrow. Conditions within the Gibraltar Strait will be more variable, between the gradient winds over the Mediterranean Sea and the weaker gradients over the Gulf of Cadiz.

In the Gulf of Cadiz, NE gradient winds will ease today and local sea breezes will develop later this morning and afternoon along the Spanish coast. Winds will remain ligher and more variable over the Gulf through tomorrow as high pressure moves closer to the Portuguese coast. Along the Portuguese Atlantic coast from Lisbon to Portimao, NE/N gradient winds will back to NW with afternoon thermal effects today and tomorrow. Generally speaking, winds will be easing on this coast, though afternoon sea breezes will still reach moderate to fresh strength.

TUESDAY (22-MAY-2012)
Cabo de Gata to Eastern Gibraltar Straits
WIND: Open waters mainly W/WSW 15-20 in the morning, easing with time to variable later morning. By early afternoon, tending W 5-10 except S'ly sea breezes on the Spanish coast and N'ly sea breeze on the Morrocan coast. SW 15-20 off Cabo de Gata in the afternoon/evening. A general W/WSW wind returns to open waters in the later afternoon and evening.
WEATHER: Mainly fine weather.
SEA: 1-2m decreasing to 1m or less.

GIBRALTAR STRAITS
WIND: Mainly SW/W 5-15 in the morning, becoming light and variable in the afternoon and possibly becoming E 5-10. After sunset tending W/NW 5-15 later in the day.
WEATHER: Clear to the east, cloudy in the west.
SEA: 1m or less except rougher where wind opposes tide.

GULF OF CADIZ
WIND:  NE 5-10 in the early morning, easing after sunrise to light and variable most areas late morning. During the afternoon, sea breezes developing along the Spanish coast from the SW increasing to 5-10 except 10-15 closer to the coast. After sunset, becoming variable with NW winds returning to the outer gulf 5-15.
WEATHER: Cloudy near Gibraltar, otherwise partly cloudy.
SEA: Less than 1m inner gulf, increasing to 2m near the open Atlantic.

WEDNESDAY (23-MAY-2012)
GIBRALTAR STRAITS
WIND: Becoming E'ly 5-10 in the morning, increasing to 10-15 over the western Straits during the afternoon.
WEATHER: Mainly fine.
SEA: 1m or less.

GULF OF CADIZ
WIND: N/NNE 5-10 in the morning. easing to variable after sunrise. Sea breeze develop from the SW near the Spanish coast 5-10 knots except locally up to 15 knots near the coast.
WEATHER: Mainly fine.
SEA: Less than 1m inner gulf, increasing to 2m near the open Atlantic.

PORTUGUESE COAST FROM LISBON TO PORTIMAO
WIND: NE 5-10 near the coast in the morning. During the late morning through afternoon, backing to NW 12-18 knots. Easing after sunset and veering N/NE.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy.
SEA: 2m swell. Swell less closer to the coast.

OUTLOOK FOR WEDNESDAY (23-MAY-2012)
A high pressure ridge extends north off the Portuguese coast. Winds remain light NE overnight, but back to the NW along the coast in the afternoon with afternoon sea breezes. In the Gibraltar Straits, a strengthening E'ly 15-25 knots.

Weather Forecast Monday 21st May

Synopsis: A deep low pressure is centered over western Europe and making only very slow progress toward the east. The Azores high centered over the central Atlantic extends a ridge northeast toward the waters northwest of Cape Finisterre and onward toward southwest England. A NW pressure gradient is present between the low pressure and ridge across Iberia and into the southwestern Mediterranean Sea. Strong W and SW winds are present up to GALE FORCE along with very rough seas, from east of Gibraltar, south of Spain to Ibiza. Early in the morning these winds are eased and veer NW near the Spanish coast. Then, from later morning through afternoon and evening, thermal acceleration and backing support the GALE FORCE W/SW winds.

Tomorrow, a high pressure center will move northeast along the ridge axis to a position southwest of Portugal in the morning, and then very close to Lisbon in the afternoon. This will weaken the gradient across Iberia, and lead to easing W'ly winds in the waters south of Spain between Gibraltar and Cabo de Gata. Along the immediate Spanish and Morrocan coasts, sea breeze will be found with the wind blow perpedicular onshore in the afternoon. Light and variable conditions are expected in Gibraltar Strait, becoming E'ly with time.

MONDAY (21-MAY-2012)
Ibiza/Palma to Cabo de Gata
LOCALLY GALE FORCE SW/W
WIND: Close to shore, generally W/NW 10-15 knots in the morning, backing SW and building to 15-25 afternoon. Beyond 5nm from shore, backing SW 20-30 knots gusting 35 over open water through the afternoon and evening. GALE FORCE winds 30-40 knots near Cabo de Gata. Easing and backing W/NW late evening, especially near the shore.
WEATHER: Scattered showers offshore waters in the morning, otherwise fine all day.
SEA: Very rough 1-2m inshore, increasing to 2-4m offshore.

Cabo de Gata to Eastern Gibraltar Straits
=LOCALLY GALE FORCE
WIND: Generally W/WSW 25-35 knots in the morning. Lighter and more right along the Spanish mainland coast at first. Building W/WSW 20-30 knots gusting 35-40 over open water through the afternoon and evening.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy.
SEA: Very rough 3-4m

TUESDAY (22-MAY-2012)
Cabo de Gata to Eastern Gibraltar Straits
WIND: Open waters mainly W/WSW 15-25 in the morning, easing with time to SW 5-15 later morning. By early afternoon, tending W 5-10 except S'ly sea breezes on the Spanish coast and N'ly sea breeze on the Morrocan coast. SW 15-20 off Cabo de Gata in the afternoon/evening.
WEATHER: Mainly fine weather.
SEA: Deceasing 1-2m and less with time.

GIBRALTAR STRAITS
WIND: Mainly SW/W 5-15 in the morning, becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Possibly tending W/NW 5-15 later in the day.
WEATHER: Clear to the east, cloudy in the west.
SEA: 1m or less except rougher where wind opposes tide.

Weather Forecast Sunday 20th May

A low pressure and cold front are moving east off the Spanish coast. The low will move to south of Barcelona early this morning, while the front will advance to Palma. Behind the front, a strong W/NW gradient wind is forecast to develop over the Balaeric Sea, backing toward the W/SW through the afternoon. Conditions will be more variable close to the Spanish coast between Penssicola and Sagunto during afternoon hours. Overnight the NW gradient will firm up, with local near-GALE to GALE FORCE winds are possible in the outer GUlf of Valenica. Fresh to strong W/WNW winds are forecast to persist across the Balaeric Sea through Monday.

Over the southwestern Mediterranean Sea between Gibraltar and Ibiza, strong W/SW winds are forecast to build from today through Monday. Some GALE FORCE winds are likely from this afternoon trhough Monday evening. Conditions will begin to east on Monday as high pressure builds east from the north Atlantic Ocean.

SUNDAY (20-MAY-2012)
Gulf of Valencia to Ibiza/Palma 
WIND: Becoming NW/W winds 15-20 knots locally gusting 25. Becoming variable for a time off the coast between Pensicola and Sagunto with local sea breezes possible very close to shore. Elsewhere, backing to SE in the afternoon 10-20. After sunset, all areas filling with W/NW developing 15-25.
WEATHER: Cloudy with chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm in the early morning hours. Becoming partly cloudy during the day. Scattered showers later afternoon and eveing.
SEA: 0.5-1m, building 1-2m further offshore late in the day.

SW Mediterranean: Ibiza/Palma to Cabo de Gata
WIND: Generally W/SW 15-25 knots. Ligher and more right along the Spanish mainland coast at first. Building WSW/SW 20-30 knots over open water through the afternoon and evening. GALE FORCE winds near Cabo de Gata.
WEATHER: Scattered showers in the morning, otherwise fine.
SEA: Very rough 2-3m. Locally buidling to 3-4m off Cabo de Gata.

MONDAY (21-MAY-2012)
Southern Gulf of Valencia
WIND: W 15-25 in the morning, backing SW and easing 10-20 in the afternoon.
WEATHER: Some scatted showers northern sections in the morning and offshore of Denia in the afternoon. Otherwise partly cloudy.
SEA: 1-2m.

Ibiza/Palma to Cabo de Gata
LOCALLY GALE FORCE SW/W
WIND: Generally W 10-15 knots in the morning, building to 15-20 later morning. Backing SW 20-30 knots gusting 35. over open water through the afternoon and evening. GALE FORCE winds 30-40 knots near Cabo de Gata.
WEATHER: Scattered showers in the morning, otherwise fine.
SEA: Very rough 2-3m

Cabo de Gata to Eastern Gibraltar Straits
LOCALLY GALE FORCE
WIND: Generally W/WSW 25-35 knots in the morning. Lighter and more right along the Spanish mainland coast at first. Building W/WSW 20-30 knots over open water through the afternoon and evening.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy.
SEA: Very rough 2-4m

Weather forecast for Saturday 19th May

A complex weather pattern over the western Med and Iberian peninsula to start the race ahead of a strong W'ly that will develop on Sunday and last into Tuesday.

Low pressure is located between Valencia and Palma early this morning. The Iberian thermal low over interior Spain is active and forecast to move east in response to a frontal system approaching from the north Atlantic.

The first Gulf of Valenica low will move north-northeast and weaken today, eventually absorbing into the larger circulation of low pressure moving east off mainland Spain. This low pressure will move east out of Spain and into the Gulf of Valencia later this evening.

Some varying winds over the Balearic Sea will eventually become largely S'ly ahead of the low today.

As low pressure moves east out of the Gulf of Valencia late tonight and early tomorrow, winds will shift W/NW and generally build with time from west to east from the Spanish mainland coast east to the waters north of Ibiza and Palma. South of Spain, a strong W'ly will blow out of the Straits of Gibraltar to off Cabo de Gata, then turn more WSW'ly to extend up to Ibiza. Some local areas of GALE FORCE W/WSW winds are expected south of Spain on Sunday and likely persisting into Monday.

 SATURDAY (19-MAY-2012)
Barcelona to Gulf of Valencia 
WIND: From Barcelona to 40N, mainly ENE/NE 15-25 in the early morning gradually easing. Becoming E/SE in the afternoon 5-15, then tending S by evening. Along the Spainish coast from 40N to Denia N/NE 5-15 in the morning, easing to calm late morning through mid-day, then becoming S/SE 10-20 knots in the afternoon. Strongest north of Denia and in the waters between Denia and Ibiza. 
WEATHER: Mostly to partly cloudy in the morning, with scattered showers. Becoming partly cloudy to clear across much of the area in the afternoon.

SW Mediterranean: Ibiza/Palma to Cabo de Gata
WIND: Near the Spainish coast, NE winds 5-10 knots in the morning. Dying and veering SE to S late morning through mid-day, tending S/SW increasing to 15-25 in the afternoon. Stronger winds near Denia and Cabo de Palos. Offshore, SW 10-15, building 20-25 with time. Winds may approach GALE FORCE off Cabo de Gata later in the day. 
WEATHER: Mainly fine.

SUNDAY (20-MAY-2012)
Gulf of Valencia to Ibiza/Palma
WIND: Light S/SE or variable early in the day. A front moves from west to east across the area during the morning with W winds 10-20 knots. Becoming variable for a time in the Gulf of Valencia during the afternoon, with local sea breezes possible very close to shore. After sunset, variable W/NW developing 10-20, except stronger between Pensicola and Barcelona.
WEATHER: Cloudy with chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm in the early morning hours. Becoming partly cloudy during the day.

SW Mediterranean: Ibiza/Palma to Cabo de Gata
WIND: Generally W/SW 15-25 knots. Ligher and more right along the Spanish mainland coast at first. Building WSW/SW 20-30 knots over open water through the afternoon and evening. GALE FORCE winds near Cabo de Gata.
WEATHER: Scattered showers in the morning, otherwise fine.

OUTLOOK FOR MONDAY (21-MAY-2012)
Strong low pressure over France will support a broad NW gradient over Spain, backing to W/SW over the waters south of the mainland. From Gibraltar to Ibiza, mainly W/SW 20-30 knots except lighter near the coast between Cartagena and Denia in the morning. Local acceleration of GALE FORCE winds off Cabo de Palos and Cabo de Gata possible. Also GALE FORCE W'ly winds will blow in the exit region east of the Gibraltar Straits.