Experimental Beach Forecast Webpage

Western Heat Wave Continues; Watching the Gulf of Mexico

A dangerous heat wave will continue to bring record temperatures to much of the West through this week. A tropical disturbance in the southwest Gulf of Mexico will likely form into a tropical depression late this week over the central or northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Heavy rain could begin to impact portions of the northern Gulf Coast on Friday. Read More >

...PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITIES ON POTENTIAL BEACH CLOSURES...

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.

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.

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