High risk of rip currents continues on Friday, Cape Hatteras has record heat on Thursday

A high risk of rip currents continues on Friday for the Outer Banks, and especially north of Cape Hatteras, per a Friday morning update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

Long period swells will continue to impact the Outer Banks beaches today, with surf heights of 3-5 feet. The swell energy is expected to diminish as Friday progresses, however a cold front moving across Eastern N.C. will result in northerly winds of 15-20 mph with up to 30 mph gusts. Beachgoers are advised to avoid swimming in the ocean as long as the high rip current risk is in effect.

Meanwhile, Cape Hatteras tied its record high of 87° on October 3, which was originally set in 1986. Temperatures will remain warmer than normal on Friday, but will cool over the weekend, beginning on Saturday.

To check the updated beach forecast from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/beach/mhx. Beach-goers can also text “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890 to sign up for text alerts from local Outer Banks Lifeguards on beach conditions.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.