Knox Area Beaches: rip current risk and surf forecast

MaineNear South Thomaston, Knox CountyNWS zone MEZ027NWS Gray - Portland

Rip current risk today: Low. Life-threatening rip currents are not expected, but they can still form near groins, jetties, reefs and piers. Swim near a lifeguard.

Surf around 2 feet, water 57 degrees. Buoy 44007, 60 mi out, measured 1.3 ft waves. Sunset 6:38 PM.

Rip current risk: LowToday
Surf: Around 2 feetForecast
Water: 57 degreesForecast
Sunset: 6:38 PMEDT

Rip current risk on the map

Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Knox Area Beaches. Open it for the live map, where it pans and zooms.

Open the live map with rip current risk

Map layer from NOAA National Weather Service surf zone forecasts. Boundaries from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.

Alerts in force

No beach hazards statement, high surf advisory or other warning is in force for Knox Area Beaches. Those are the products a coastal office issues when the water turns dangerous. When one is issued it appears here and on the alerts page for this area.

Today and tomorrow

From the National Weather Service beach forecast, issued 241 PM EDT, 9/20/2026.

Today Rest of today

Low rip current risk

Rip current risk: Low
Surf: Around 2 feet
Water temperature: 57 degrees
High temperature: In the upper 50s
Weather: Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain
Wind: South winds around 5 mph
Thunderstorms: None

Tomorrow Monday

Low rip current risk

Rip current risk: Low
Surf: Around 2 feet
High temperature: In the mid 60s
Weather: Partly sunny until 9 AM, then sunny until 5 PM, then partly sunny
Wind: Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph
Thunderstorms: None

The surf zone forecast, period by period

Knox. Issued 2:41 PM EDT on Sun, Sep 20 by the National Weather Service in Gray - Portland.

Rest of today

Weather: Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain
UV Index: UVI Unavailable
Thunderstorm Potential: None
High Temperature: In the upper 50s
Winds: South winds around 5 mph
Surf Height: Around 2 feet
Water Temperature: 57 degrees. According to the USCG, when the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks like buckling a life jacket or operating a radio
Rip Current Risk: Low
Tides, Birch Point Beach: Low 2.5 feet (MLLW) 12:37 PM EDT

Monday

Weather: Partly sunny until 9 AM, then sunny until 5 PM, then partly sunny
Thunderstorm Potential: None
High Temperature: In the mid 60s
Winds: Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph
Surf Height: Around 2 feet
Rip Current Risk: Low
Tides, Birch Point Beach: High 8.3 feet (MLLW) 07:49 AM EDT. Low 2.3 feet (MLLW) 01:36 PM EDT

Tuesday

Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs around 60. Northeast winds around 10 mph.

Wednesday

Surf height around 4 feet. Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Northeast winds around 10 mph.

Thursday

Surf height around 7 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs around 60. Northeast winds around 10 mph.

The office's notes on this forecast

Rip Current Risk Category * Low Risk - A low risk of rip currents implies that wind and wave conditions are not expected to support the development of enhanced rip currents. However, rip currents are always possible, especially near jetties and other structures. Always have a flotation device with you in the water. * Moderate Risk - A moderate risk of rip currents implies that individuals planning to enter the surf should check with local beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life guard, and never alone or at night. Always have a flotation device with you in the water. * High Risk - A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and potentially life threatening conditions exist for all people entering the surf. People visiting the beaches should stay out of the high surf.

The product as issued

FZUS51 KGYX 201841
SRFGYX

Surf Zone Forecast for Maine
National Weather Service Gray ME
241 PM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.For the ocean beaches of Maine and New Hampshire...

NHZ014-202000-
Coastal Rockingham-
Including the beaches of Portsmouth and Hampton
241 PM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Weather.....................Cloudy. Rain. 
UV Index....................UVI Unavailable. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the lower 60s. 
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Water Temperature...........62 degrees. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Hampton Beach............Low 2.1 feet (MLLW) 01:16 PM EDT.

.MONDAY...
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy until 9 AM, then mostly 
                            sunny. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Hampton Beach............High 7.0 feet (MLLW) 08:09 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.0 feet (MLLW) 02:17 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
upper 50s. Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 6 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
upper 50s. Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 8 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs around 60.
Northeast winds around 15 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - A low risk of rip currents implies that wind and wave
  conditions are not expected to support the development of enhanced
  rip currents. However, rip currents are always possible, especially
  near jetties and other structures. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* Moderate Risk - A moderate risk of rip currents implies
  that individuals planning to enter the surf should  check with
  local beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life
  guard, and never alone or at night. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* High Risk - A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and
  potentially life threatening conditions exist for all people
  entering the surf. People visiting the beaches should stay out of
  the high surf.

$$

MEZ023-202000-
Coastal York-
Including the beaches of Old Orchard, Fortunes Rock, Wells, Ogunquit, 
and York
241 PM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Weather.....................Cloudy. Rain. 
UV Index....................UVI Unavailable. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the lower 60s. 
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Water Temperature...........62 degrees. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Old Orchard Beach........Low 2.3 feet (MLLW) 12:38 PM EDT.
   Wells Beach..............Low 2.3 feet (MLLW) 12:49 PM EDT.

.MONDAY...
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy until 8 AM, then mostly 
                            sunny. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Old Orchard Beach........High 7.4 feet (MLLW) 07:55 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.1 feet (MLLW) 01:39 PM EDT.
   Wells Beach..............High 7.4 feet (MLLW) 07:55 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.1 feet (MLLW) 01:48 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
upper 50s. Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 5 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
upper 50s. Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 8 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs around 60.
Northeast winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - A low risk of rip currents implies that wind and wave
  conditions are not expected to support the development of enhanced
  rip currents. However, rip currents are always possible, especially
  near jetties and other structures. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* Moderate Risk - A moderate risk of rip currents implies
  that individuals planning to enter the surf should  check with
  local beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life
  guard, and never alone or at night. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* High Risk - A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and
  potentially life threatening conditions exist for all people
  entering the surf. People visiting the beaches should stay out of
  the high surf.

$$

MEZ024-202000-
Coastal Cumberland-
Including the beaches of Scarborough, Higgins, and Crescent
241 PM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Weather.....................Cloudy. Rain. 
UV Index....................UVI Unavailable. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the upper 50s. 
Winds.......................South winds around 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Water Temperature...........60 degrees. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Higgins Beach............Low 2.3 feet (MLLW) 12:38 PM EDT.

.MONDAY...
Weather.....................Partly sunny until 10 AM, then mostly 
                            sunny. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Higgins Beach............High 7.4 feet (MLLW) 07:55 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.1 feet (MLLW) 01:39 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...Surf height around 1 foot. Partly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 2 feet. Sunny. Highs around 60.
Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 2 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northeast winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - A low risk of rip currents implies that wind and wave
  conditions are not expected to support the development of enhanced
  rip currents. However, rip currents are always possible, especially
  near jetties and other structures. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* Moderate Risk - A moderate risk of rip currents implies
  that individuals planning to enter the surf should  check with
  local beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life
  guard, and never alone or at night. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* High Risk - A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and
  potentially life threatening conditions exist for all people
  entering the surf. People visiting the beaches should stay out of
  the high surf.

$$

MEZ025-202000-
Sagadahoc-
Including the beaches of Reid State Park and Popham
241 PM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Rain. 
UV Index....................UVI Unavailable. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............Around 60. 
Winds.......................South winds around 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Water Temperature...........59 degrees. According to the USCG, when 
                            the water temperature is below 60 
                            degrees, the average submerged person 
                            could lose dexterity within minutes and 
                            be unable to accomplish simple tasks 
                            like buckling a life jacket or 
                            operating a radio. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Popham Beach.............Low 2.1 feet (MLLW) 01:12 PM EDT.

.MONDAY...
Weather.....................Partly sunny until 10 AM, then sunny 
                            until 4 PM, then partly sunny. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Popham Beach.............High 6.7 feet (MLLW) 08:21 AM EDT.
                            Low 1.9 feet (MLLW) 02:13 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs around 60.
Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Sunny. Highs around 60.
Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 7 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northeast winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - A low risk of rip currents implies that wind and wave
  conditions are not expected to support the development of enhanced
  rip currents. However, rip currents are always possible, especially
  near jetties and other structures. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* Moderate Risk - A moderate risk of rip currents implies
  that individuals planning to enter the surf should  check with
  local beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life
  guard, and never alone or at night. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* High Risk - A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and
  potentially life threatening conditions exist for all people
  entering the surf. People visiting the beaches should stay out of
  the high surf.

$$

MEZ026-202000-
Lincoln-
Including the beaches of Pemaquid
241 PM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Rain likely. 
UV Index....................UVI Unavailable. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the lower 60s. 
Winds.......................South winds around 5 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Water Temperature...........58 degrees. According to the USCG, when 
                            the water temperature is below 60 
                            degrees, the average submerged person 
                            could lose dexterity within minutes and 
                            be unable to accomplish simple tasks 
                            like buckling a life jacket or 
                            operating a radio. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Pemaquid Beach...........Low 2.3 feet (MLLW) 12:40 PM EDT.

.MONDAY...
Weather.....................Partly sunny until 10 AM, then sunny 
                            until 4 PM, then partly sunny. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Pemaquid Beach...........High 7.4 feet (MLLW) 07:50 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.1 feet (MLLW) 01:41 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Sunny. Highs in the lower
60s. Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 7 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northeast winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - A low risk of rip currents implies that wind and wave
  conditions are not expected to support the development of enhanced
  rip currents. However, rip currents are always possible, especially
  near jetties and other structures. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* Moderate Risk - A moderate risk of rip currents implies
  that individuals planning to enter the surf should  check with
  local beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life
  guard, and never alone or at night. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* High Risk - A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and
  potentially life threatening conditions exist for all people
  entering the surf. People visiting the beaches should stay out of
  the high surf.

$$

MEZ027-202000-
Knox-
Including the beaches of Birch Point
241 PM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain. 
UV Index....................UVI Unavailable. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the upper 50s. 
Winds.......................South winds around 5 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Water Temperature...........57 degrees. According to the USCG, when 
                            the water temperature is below 60 
                            degrees, the average submerged person 
                            could lose dexterity within minutes and 
                            be unable to accomplish simple tasks 
                            like buckling a life jacket or 
                            operating a radio. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Birch Point Beach........Low 2.5 feet (MLLW) 12:37 PM EDT.

.MONDAY...
Weather.....................Partly sunny until 9 AM, then sunny 
                            until 5 PM, then partly sunny. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Birch Point Beach........High 8.3 feet (MLLW) 07:49 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.3 feet (MLLW) 01:36 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs around 60.
Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Sunny. Highs in the upper
50s. Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 7 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs around 60.
Northeast winds around 10 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - A low risk of rip currents implies that wind and wave
  conditions are not expected to support the development of enhanced
  rip currents. However, rip currents are always possible, especially
  near jetties and other structures. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* Moderate Risk - A moderate risk of rip currents implies
  that individuals planning to enter the surf should  check with
  local beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life
  guard, and never alone or at night. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* High Risk - A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and
  potentially life threatening conditions exist for all people
  entering the surf. People visiting the beaches should stay out of
  the high surf.

$$

MEZ028-202000-
Coastal Waldo-
Including the beaches of Moose Point State Park
241 PM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain. 
UV Index....................UVI Unavailable. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the upper 50s. 
Winds.......................South winds around 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 1 foot. 
Water Temperature...........57 degrees. According to the USCG, when 
                            the water temperature is below 60 
                            degrees, the average submerged person 
                            could lose dexterity within minutes and 
                            be unable to accomplish simple tasks 
                            like buckling a life jacket or 
                            operating a radio. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Moose Point State Park...Low 2.6 feet (MLLW) 12:35 PM EDT.

.MONDAY...
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. Patchy fog. 
Thunderstorm Potential......None. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................North winds 5 to 10 mph. 
Surf Height.................Around 1 foot. 
Rip Current Risk*...........Low.
Tides...
   Moose Point State Park...High 8.6 feet (MLLW) 07:37 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.5 feet (MLLW) 01:33 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs around 60.
Northeast winds around 5 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Sunny. Highs in the lower
60s. Northeast winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 7 feet. Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.
Northeast winds around 5 mph.

&&

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - A low risk of rip currents implies that wind and wave
  conditions are not expected to support the development of enhanced
  rip currents. However, rip currents are always possible, especially
  near jetties and other structures. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* Moderate Risk - A moderate risk of rip currents implies
  that individuals planning to enter the surf should  check with
  local beach patrols first. Be sure to swim within sight of a life
  guard, and never alone or at night. Always have a flotation device
  with you in the water.
* High Risk - A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and
  potentially life threatening conditions exist for all people
  entering the surf. People visiting the beaches should stay out of
  the high surf.


$$

The water now, measured

Buoy 44007, PORTLAND - 12 NM Southeast of Portland,ME, 60 mi away, reported 3:50 PM.

Waves: 1.3 ft at 4 seconds from the SSE
Air temperature: 59 °F
Wind: 4 kt from the SE

From NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Wave height is the significant height, the average of the highest third; the largest waves run half again as high. Offshore buoys read bigger than the surf at the beach.

Tides today

Thomaston, 4.1 mi away. Feet above mean lower low water.

Low tide12:33 AM1.5 ft
High tide6:56 AM7.5 ft
Low tide12:40 PM2.4 ft
High tide7:07 PM8.4 ft

Low tide often exposes the sandbars and channels that shape rip currents, and the risk can run higher for an hour or two either side of it. Full tide table for Thomaston.

Sun and daylight

Sunrise today: 6:22 AM
Sunset today: 6:38 PM
Sunrise tomorrow: 6:23 AM
Sunset tomorrow: 6:36 PM

Times are Eastern Daylight Time. Lifeguards are off duty outside posted hours, and the rip current risk does not fall with the light.

Beaches in this forecast

Birch Point

As the National Weather Service lists them in its surf zone forecast.

What this means

The three levels the National Weather Service issues, and what to do at each.

High	Life-threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water.
Moderate	Life-threatening rip currents are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags.
Low	Life-threatening rip currents are not expected, but they can still form near groins, jetties, reefs and piers. Swim near a lifeguard.

If a rip current carries you out

Do not fight the current. It pulls you away from the beach, not under the water.
Stay calm and keep your head above water. Float or tread water until the pull eases.
Swim parallel to the beach, along the shore, until you are out of the current, then angle in toward the beach.
If you cannot escape, face the shore, wave your arms and call for help.
If someone else is caught, do not go in after them. Get a lifeguard, call 911, and throw them something that floats.

Thunderstorms and lightning

No thunderstorms are in the forecast today. Water and open sand leave you the tallest thing around. When thunder roars, go indoors: leave the water and the beach for a building or a hard-topped vehicle, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back.

A rip current is a narrow stream of water flowing away from the beach, through the surf and past the breakers. It pulls swimmers out, not under. Rip current and lightning safety guidance from the National Weather Service.

Nearby

The stretches of shore the National Weather Service forecasts on either side of this one.

More for this place

Sources

Rip current risk, surf, water temperature and UV from the National Weather Service surf zone forecast and beach forecast, office GYX, issued 241 PM EDT, 9/20/2026. Original at NWS. Waves and water temperature measured by NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Tides from NOAA CO-OPS. Alerts from the National Weather Service for zone MEZ027.