National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Active Weather for the West, Warming in the East

The potential for heavy snow at higher elevations in the western U.S. will continue for many spots through the weekend. In the meantime, the eastern half of the continental U.S. will transition to above normal temperatures ahead of a pair of cold fronts next week that will bring readings back to closer to normal as we approach Thanksgiving Day. Read More >

Marine, Tropical and Tsunami Services Branch

National Program

Experimental Beach Forecast Webpage

Weather.gov > Marine, Tropical and Tsunami Services Branch > Experimental Beach Forecast Webpage
UNDER DEVELOPMENT

The map below is color-coded to indicate the forecast rip current risk level. Click on the beach area of your choice for more information, or click a beach umbrella for the detailed, beach forecast.

View the product description document for more information on the rip current graphic. Comments are currently being accepted.

  
 
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Risk Level Description
Low The risk of rip currents is low, however, life threatening rip currents may still occur especially near groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. Always swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
Moderate Life threatening rip currents are possible. Always swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
High Life threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. Stay out of the water. Remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
The Danger of Rip Currents
 
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves.
Rip Currents - Know your Options
If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help and remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.

Never assume the ocean is safe, even if the weather is nice. Hurricanes that are far away can still create deadly rip currents and waves. For maximum safety, swim near a lifeguard.

View rip current safety videos at the National Weather Service YouTube channel.
Additional Resources
UV Index Scale
2 or less Low Low danger from the sun's UV rays for the average person.
Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen.
3 - 5 Moderate Moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Take precautions, such as covering up, if you will be outside. Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.
6 - 7 High High risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Protection against sunburn is needed. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
8 - 10 Very High Very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly. Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
11+ Extreme Extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and will increase UV exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.

 

Thunderstorm Potential (definition) Waterspout Risk (definition)
None No thunderstorms are expected None No risk of waterspout development
Low Thunderstorms are only expected to be isolated in coverage Low Low risk of waterspout development
Moderate Thunderstorms are forecast to be scattered in coverage Moderate Moderate risk of waterspout development
High Thunderstorms are forecast to be numerous or widespread in coverage High High risk of waterspout development