Philadelphia, PA – Unseasonably warm weather continues across the Mid-Atlantic Tuesday before cooler air moves in midweek. But forecasters warn the bigger hazard comes from the ocean, where swells from distant tropical systems are expected to create dangerous conditions through Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda are staying well offshore. Still, their wave impacts will bring a high risk of life-threatening rip currents for the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches through at least Wednesday.
While skies remain mostly dry, gusty northeast winds are expected along the coast later Tuesday into Wednesday night. That shift will push water levels higher, leading to the potential for minor coastal flooding during the afternoon and evening high tides on Wednesday.
Temperatures are forecast to dip into the upper 60s and lower 70s Wednesday and Thursday before climbing back into the upper 70s and low 80s over the weekend. Overnight lows will range from the 40s inland to the mid-50s along the coast.
Officials urge beachgoers to use extreme caution if entering the water, even in calm weather. “Hurricanes that are far away can still create deadly rip currents,” the NWS warned. Swimmers are advised to stay near lifeguards and avoid entering the surf where no patrols are present.
