Dangerous heat will build across the Southwest U.S. through the end of the week with daytime highs of 110-115°F. Heat across the southern Plains will briefly ease to near-normal by late week before returning over much of the Plains into next week. Severe thunderstorms are expected across parts of the central and southern High Plains, central Great Lakes, and Ozarks Wednesday. Read More >
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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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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.
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. |
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Additional Resources
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