Melbourne, FL – Beachgoers along Florida’s Atlantic coast are being urged to use caution today as the National Weather Service (NWS) Melbourne reports a high risk of life-threatening rip currents from Daytona Beach to the Treasure Coast.
According to the NWS, surf heights will reach 4 to 5 feet through Wednesday, creating hazardous swimming conditions despite otherwise fair weather. The agency warns that “nice weather can be deceiving,” as dangerous rip currents often form on sunny, calm days when waves and swells increase from offshore winds.
The warning extends to popular beaches including Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Sebastian Inlet, and Vero Beach, where numerous strong rip currents are expected throughout the day. Swimmers are advised to stay out of the ocean and always swim within sight of a lifeguard.
Elsewhere across east-central Florida, only a few morning sprinkles are expected, followed by decreasing clouds and highs in the low to mid-70s. A cold front moving through tonight will bring cooler air Thursday, with lows dropping into the 40s inland and low 50s along the coast.
The NWS also advises boaters of rough marine conditions, with elevated seas offshore and strong rip currents near inlets.
Officials emphasize that anyone caught in a rip current should stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore until free from the current’s pull.
