Beach forecasts are updated weekly on Thursdays prior to an upcoming weekend throughout the summer months, from Memorial Day through Labor Day (seasonal)
Marine Forecast Discussion
Forecast: The forecast period begins with cooler temperatures and lower humidity, but also mostly sunny skies under high pressure influence both Friday and Saturday. A mix of sun and clouds Sunday, followed by a return of mostly sunny skies for the remainder of the forecast period, with temperatures progressively warming through Tuesday. Both Labor Day Monday and Tuesday should be near the 90° mark with only a slight back off into the upper 80s by Wednesday. No precipitation is expected for the entire week.
Tropical concerns: The Atlantic hurricane season reaches its peak of activity in September, and there is one particular area of interest, current Tropical Storm Idalia exiting the Carolina coastline this morning. Although no direct impacts are expected from its nearby presence, dangerous rip currents will be present through Friday before improving over the holiday weekend. No other tropical entities are anticipated through at least September 10th to be concerned about at this time.
Marine: Seas currently feature 6-8 ft. wave heights with a northeasterly swell, and a dominant period of 5-7 seconds. Wave heights will very gradually decrease Friday to 5-7 ft. as Tropical Storm Idalia continues to move away from the US eastern seaboard. A further decrease in wave heights to 4-5 ft., then 3-4 ft. is expected over the weekend, then settling at 2-3 ft. early next week. Thunderstorms can provide localized rough boat and beach conditions higher than wave heights indicated, and you should monitor statements issued by the National Weather Service forecast office in Wakefield, VA for the latest marine advisories. At present time, thunderstorm chances are non-existent in the 6-day beach forecast period. Ocean water temperatures will run generally near seasonal averages for this upcoming week in the lower to middle 70s during the forecast period.
Forecaster: Rinaldi
Last updated: 11:15 AM Thursday August 31st, 2023
This is the FINAL beach forecast update for the season ahead of Labor Day weekend. EPAWA’s beach forecasts are seasonal products that are updated every Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the next beach forecast update will be ahead of Memorial Day weekend, May 23rd, 2024.
Tides and surf info for Ocean City, MD Inlet - CLICK TO ENLARGE
National Hurricane Center Tropical Activity
Latest Sea Surface Temps - updates in real-time
East Coast visible satellite loop
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