Wilmington, NC – Beachgoers in southeastern North Carolina are being urged to use caution today, as forecasters warn of a moderate risk of rip currents along New Hanover and Pender County beaches.
According to the National Weather Service Wilmington office, Saturday, September 20, will bring a mix of summerlike heat and coastal hazards. Morning fog is expected to give way to sunshine, with high temperatures reaching between 85 and 90 degrees inland. Closer to the shoreline, highs will stay cooler, near 80 degrees.
Forecasters added that a few afternoon showers or thunderstorms may develop, mainly across inland South Carolina. While the day will be mostly dry and warm for most of the region, the biggest concern is water safety. The weather service has issued a rip current statement, urging swimmers to exercise caution if entering the ocean.
Tonight, conditions are expected to remain mild, with partly cloudy skies and low temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s inland and upper 60s closer to the coast.
Officials recommend checking beach safety flags and swimming near lifeguard stands when possible. Rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore and are among the most dangerous coastal hazards during the late summer season.
