Heat Advisory remains in effect; Moderate threat of rip currents forecast for Wednesday

A Heat Advisory for Eastern North Carolina is in effect for the fourth day in a row, and a moderate risk of rip currents is forecast for southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke island, per a Wednesday morning update from the U.S. National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

Hot and humid weather will continue on Wednesday, with heat index values up to 109 expected in the afternoon. In addition, rip currents are possible for the southern beaches, and only experienced swimmers who know how to escape a rip current should enter the surf.

Lifeguards are on duty at four popular Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, which includes the Coquina Beach Access (Bodie Island), Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach Access (Hatteras Island), Frisco Beach Access (Hatteras Island), and Ocracoke Beach Access (Ocracoke Island).

Beachgoers can also follow the tips below to stay safe during the extreme temperatures. 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/.