Florida – Choppy surf rolls onto Northeast Florida beaches this morning, and the water looks deceptively inviting. Underneath, powerful currents are pulling steadily offshore. This is not a safe beach day, especially as holiday travel ramps up.
A High Rip Current Risk remains in effect for Northeast Florida beaches through late tonight. According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, dangerous rip currents are expected along coastal Nassau, Duval, and St. Johns counties. Even experienced swimmers could be swept away from shore quickly.
Conditions early Monday feel mild, with temperatures in the mid-50s near Jacksonville. Gusty northeast winds continue to push water toward the coast, strengthening rip current formation. These hazards often peak during outgoing tides and can worsen without obvious warning signs.
Beachgoers should avoid entering the ocean unless lifeguards are present. If caught in a rip current, officials advise staying calm, floating to conserve energy, and swimming parallel to shore. Fighting the current can lead to exhaustion within minutes.
This threat comes as warmer weather returns midweek. Highs climb into the mid to upper 70s by Wednesday, drawing more visitors to the shoreline ahead of Christmas Eve. While inland conditions stay quiet, ocean hazards remain the primary concern through tonight.
Travelers heading to the beaches should plan alternatives today. Walking along the shore is safer than swimming, and families should keep children well back from the waterline. Waves and currents can knock people off balance unexpectedly.
The rip current risk is expected to ease after tonight, but similar hazards may return with future onshore winds. Winter patterns often bring hidden coastal dangers in Florida. Are you visiting the beach today? What conditions are you seeing along the shoreline?
Five-Day Outlook for Jacksonville, FL
- Monday: Breezy with increasing clouds, high near 68.
- Tuesday: Sunny and warmer, high near 75.
- Wednesday (Christmas Eve): Patchy morning fog, then sunny, high near 76.
- Christmas Day: Mostly sunny and warm, high near 76.
- Thursday: Mostly clear and mild, high near 76.
