Jacksonville, FL – A powerful coastal surge is stirring up dangerous rip currents and rough surf along the Northeast Florida coastline this morning, prompting a High Rip Current Risk from Nassau to St. Johns counties through late tonight. Early risers may notice whitecaps building just beyond the breakers, a clear sign of turbulent currents beneath otherwise calm skies.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, conditions will remain hazardous through at least 1 a.m. Wednesday, with strong rip currents capable of pulling even experienced swimmers away from shore. Waves and surf are expected to stay rough along Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, and St. Augustine beaches, especially during high tide this afternoon.
Meteorologists urge beach visitors to swim near lifeguards, avoid strong surf zones, and never swim alone. If caught in a rip current, do not fight the pull — instead, float or swim parallel to the shoreline until free of the current’s grip.
Air temperatures will remain mild for December, with highs near 57°F Tuesday and sunshine holding through the week. Dry weather and light winds are expected inland, creating ideal conditions away from the surf zone.
5-Day Outlook (Dec. 9–13)
- Tuesday: High 57°F, mostly sunny; rip current risk persists.
- Wednesday: High 67°F, sunny, calmer seas later in the day.
- Thursday: High 66°F, mild and clear.
- Friday: High 68°F, sunny and pleasant.
- Saturday: High 70°F, light breeze, beach conditions improving.
