SAVANNAH, Ga. () — This past week has been very typical for the summertime on the east coast. The beaches have been packed with people celebrating Independence day under the scorching sunshine along with small waves.

As we head into the start of the holiday weekend, we will continue to feel the heat as heat index values climb into the triple digits but a slow moving front will drop into the region and bring about some changes. Rain chances will increase especially during the afternoons for the weekend and even into the start of next week with some storms containing heavy rainfall which could lead to localized flooding as well as lots of lightning.

For the surfers, it has been a tough start to the month with waves in the 1-2 foot range for the majority of the week. I hate to be the one to drop the stoke levels but unfortunately it looks like waves will continue to be on the smaller side.

SURF-CAST

During the day on Friday, a quick pulse of medium period swell filled into the area. This provided a fun day of 2 foot surf and clean conditions due to offshore winds for most of the day. This swell will likely linger for the morning during high tide tomorrow before the swell fades on Sunday.

How waves form

Waves form as winds blow over the surface of a body of water. As the wind blows, it transfers its energy to the water causing water molecules to move in a circular motion. As the water molecules move up and down in a circular pattern waves will form and move in the direction that the wind is blowing.

SATURDAY

During the morning we will start out mostly sunny along the coastline. With all this sunshine temperatures will climb quickly into the middle and upper 80s. A light southwesterly breeze will start the day but winds will pick up through the late morning and afternoon. Speaking of the afternoon, temperatures will top out in the low 90s and with dew points in the 70s it will make it feel like the triple digits once again. With all that heat and humidity we have the ingredients for showers and storms, the only thing we need now is a trigger. That trigger will be a slow moving front with will provide lift and allow for scattered storms during the afternoon. Storms will mainly impact areas west of I-95 but a few storms are possible for the coast late in the afternoon.

Wave heights throughout the day will be around 2 foot with the largest sets occurring during the morning and afternoon before high tide. As for conditions, the morning is looking clean due to light southwest winds. During the afternoon conditions will be a bit bumpy as the wind turns south at 10-15 mph. With this wind direction a strong current may set up near the shoreline so be aware if you bring little ones to the beach.

UV Index: Very High – Sunscreen is recommended to avoid sunburn

Rip Current Risk: Moderate

TIDES:

High: 8:59 am

Low: 3:22 pm

SUNDAY

As our front stalls across the area we will continue to see more chances for showers and storms especially for the afternoon. During the morning we will see much more cloud cover over head and this will keep temperatures from as high as Saturday. Into the afternoon, high temperatures will reach the middle and upper 80s for the coastline and storms will once again become likely. On Sunday, storms may become more widespread and some may even be on the stronger side with heavy rainfall and gusty winds over 40 mph possible in stronger cells.

Waves will be in the 1 foot range throughout the day and winds out of the southeast at 10-20 mph will make for a choppy ocean surface during the morning and afternoon.

UV Index: Very High – This will depend on how much cloud cover sets up.

Rip Current Risk: Low – Watch out for strong nearshore current generated by southeast wind.

TIDES:

High: 9:45 am

Low: 4:08 pm

Overall, this holiday weekend will be a bit of a messy one as far as rain is concerned. This will be especially true for the afternoons as a stalled front increases rain chances for both days. The best beach day will likely be Saturday due to its sunny start and less likely storm chances. Any storms that do form inland will not make it to the coast until later in the afternoon. As for surfing, it will be best to target the Saturday morning high tide for the most size and cleanest conditions for the weekend.

See you in the water!