Recent rainfall has increased the threat of Moderate to Major flooding along rivers in the Mid-Atlantic, especially Virginia and Maryland, over the next few days. Rainfall combined with snowmelt is also fueling Moderate-to-Major flooding in the northern Rockies and northern Intermountain West. Read More >
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.
| Risk Level | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Life threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of inlets, groins, jetties, and piers. Always supervise those who cannot swim and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems. | Select a shaded area on the map to view details. |
| Moderate | Swim near a lifeguard. Remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems. | |
| High | The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. Remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems. |
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.
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.
View rip current safety videos at the National Weather Service YouTube channel.
| 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.
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| 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.
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