Morning Beach Conditions
August 17, 2026
HEAT ADVISORY SET for all ocean beaches from 11 AM until 8 PM today. Expect heat index values up to 109 degrees. Seek SHADE and HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! Keep an eye on each other for signs of heat stroke and exhaustion.
A YELLOW FLAG DAY with MODERATE rip current risk south of Cape Hatteras including the ocean beaches at Frisco, Hatteras Village and Ocracoke. Only experienced surf swimmers who know how to escape a rip current should enter the water. Never swim alone and always take floatation!
LOW rip current risk north of Cape Hatteras including the ocean beaches at Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Pea Island, Rodanthe, Waves. Salvo, Avon and Buxton. While the risk for rip currents is low, life-threatening rip currents may still be present. Remember LOW risk does not mean NO risk!
Strongest rip currents often occur a couple hours either side of low tide, which happens around 5: 50 pm today.
Click here for a BEACH WARNING FLAG information video.
Expect mostly sunny skies today with a chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. High temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90 with neat index values to 109. Southeast winds around 10 to 15 mph. Surf height around 1 to 3 feet. Water temperatures: Duck Pier...82. Jennette’s Pier...76. Oregon Inlet Marina...86. Rodanthe Pier...79. Avon Pier...80.
Always swim near a lifeguard. If help is needed, know your location and call 911!
Beach nourishment project in Buxton. For location and timing information visit www.morebeachtolove.com
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