Maryland Area Beaches: rip current risk and surf forecast

MarylandNear West Ocean City, Worcester CountyNWS zone MDZ025NWS Wakefield

Rip current risk today: High. Life-threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for swimmers of every level. Stay out of the water.

Surf 4 to 7 feet, water mid 70s. Buoy OCIM2, 6.8 mi out, measured 73 °F water. Sunset 6:57 PM.

Rip current risk: HighToday
Surf: 4 to 7 feetForecast
Water: Mid 70sForecast
Sunset: 6:57 PMEDT

Rip current risk on the map

Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Maryland 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 force5

Beach hazards statements, high surf advisories, rip current statements and every other National Weather Service product in force for zone MDZ025.

Beach Hazards Statementuntil Wed 8:00 PM
Beach Hazards Statement issued September 22 at 2:57PM EDT until September 23 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement,a high risk of rip currents is expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 9 to 13 feet expected in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Warning, one to two feet of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...In Maryland, Maryland Beaches County. In Virginia, Accomack and Northampton Counties. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through Wednesday evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM EDT Wednesday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 2 AM Wednesday to 6 PM EDT Thursday. For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 4 PM Wednesday to 4 AM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Numerous roads may be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may be inundated. Some shoreline erosion may occur. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.
High Surf Advisoryuntil Thu 6:00 PM
High Surf Advisory issued September 22 at 2:57PM EDT until September 24 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement,a high risk of rip currents is expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 9 to 13 feet expected in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Warning, one to two feet of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...In Maryland, Maryland Beaches County. In Virginia, Accomack and Northampton Counties. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through Wednesday evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM EDT Wednesday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 2 AM Wednesday to 6 PM EDT Thursday. For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 4 PM Wednesday to 4 AM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Numerous roads may be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may be inundated. Some shoreline erosion may occur. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.
Coastal Flood Advisoryuntil Wed 4:00 PM
Coastal Flood Advisory issued September 22 at 2:57PM EDT until September 23 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement,a high risk of rip currents is expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 9 to 13 feet expected in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Warning, one to two feet of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...In Maryland, Maryland Beaches County. In Virginia, Accomack and Northampton Counties. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through Wednesday evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM EDT Wednesday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 2 AM Wednesday to 6 PM EDT Thursday. For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 4 PM Wednesday to 4 AM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Numerous roads may be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may be inundated. Some shoreline erosion may occur. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.
Coastal Flood Warninguntil Fri 4:00 AM
Coastal Flood Warning issued September 22 at 2:57PM EDT until September 25 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement,a high risk of rip currents is expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 9 to 13 feet expected in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Warning, one to two feet of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...In Maryland, Maryland Beaches County. In Virginia, Accomack and Northampton Counties. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through Wednesday evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM EDT Wednesday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 2 AM Wednesday to 6 PM EDT Thursday. For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 4 PM Wednesday to 4 AM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Numerous roads may be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may be inundated. Some shoreline erosion may occur. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.
Wind Advisoryuntil Thu 8:00 PM
Wind Advisory issued September 22 at 3:01PM EDT until September 24 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
* WHAT...Northeast winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...In Maryland, Maryland Beaches County. In North Carolina, Eastern Currituck and Western Currituck Counties. In Virginia, Northampton and Accomack Counties, and Virginia Beach. * WHEN...From 2 PM Wednesday to 8 PM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

All alerts for this area.

Today and tomorrow

From the National Weather Service beach forecast, issued 943 AM EDT, 9/22/2026.

Today Rest of today

High rip current risk

Rip current risk: High
Surf: 4 to 7 feet
Water temperature: Mid 70s
UV index: Low
High temperature: In the lower 70s
Weather: Cloudy. A chance of showers
Wind: Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph

UV index 2 or less. Little danger for most people.

Tomorrow Wednesday

High rip current risk

Rip current risk: High
Surf: 7 to 11 feet
High temperature: In the lower 70s
Weather: Cloudy. Rain likely
Wind: Windy. Northeast winds 30 to 35 mph

The surf zone forecast, period by period

Maryland Beaches. Issued 9:43 AM EDT on Tue, Sep 22 by the National Weather Service in Wakefield.

Beach hazards statement in effect through wednesday evening

High rip current risk in effect through wednesday evening

High surf advisory in effect from 2 am wednesday to 6 pm edt thursday

Rest of today

Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 4 to 7 feet
UV Index: Low
Water Temperature: Mid 70s
Weather: Cloudy. A chance of showers
High Temperature: In the lower 70s
Winds: Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph
Tides: High at 05:21 PM EDT
Remarks: Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions today. Dangerous
injuries: affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak

Ocean City Fishing Pier..Low at 10:48 AM EDT. shore-break of 4 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing neck and head injuries.

Wednesday

Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 7 to 11 feet
Weather: Cloudy. Rain likely
High Temperature: In the lower 70s
Winds: Windy. Northeast winds 30 to 35 mph
Remarks: Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions tomorrow. Dangerous
injuries: affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak

Ocean City Fishing Pier..Low at 11:40 AM EDT. shore-break of 7 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing neck and head injuries.

The days after

Thursday. Surf height 7 to 11 feet. Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs in the upper 60s. Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph.

Friday. Surf height 5 to 9 feet. Partly sunny. A chance of showers. Highs in the upper 60s. Breezy. North winds around 25 mph.

Saturday. Surf height 2 to 6 feet. Mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers. Highs in the upper 60s. North winds around 20 mph.

Remarks for extended. Surf Heights greater than 4 feet typically result in dangerous breaking waves in the surf zone and potentially a Moderate to High Rip Risk.

The office's notes on this forecast

Rip Current Risk Category * Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however, life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. * Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone. * High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone.

** The beach forecast graphic can be found at weather.gov/beach/akq.

The product as issued

FZUS51 KAKQ 221343
SRFAKQ

Surf Zone Forecast for Virginia
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
943 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

MDZ025-230315-
Maryland Beaches-
Including the beaches of Ocean City Beaches and Assateague
943 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM WEDNESDAY TO 6 PM EDT
THURSDAY...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High.
Surf Height.................4 to 7 feet.
UV Index**..................Low.
Water Temperature...........Mid 70s.
Weather.....................Cloudy. A chance of showers.
High Temperature............In the lower 70s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.
Tides...
Ocean City Fishing Pier..Low at 10:48 AM EDT.
High at 05:21 PM EDT.
Remarks.....................Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions today. Dangerous
shore-break of 4 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal
injuries...affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak
occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing
neck and head injuries.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High.
Surf Height.................7 to 11 feet.
Weather.....................Cloudy. Rain likely.
High Temperature............In the lower 70s.
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds 30 to 35 mph.
Tides...
Ocean City Fishing Pier..Low at 11:40 AM EDT.
Remarks.....................Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions tomorrow. Dangerous
shore-break of 7 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal
injuries...affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak
occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing
neck and head injuries.

.EXTENDED...
.THURSDAY...Surf height 7 to 11 feet. Mostly cloudy. A chance of
showers. Highs in the upper 60s. Windy. Northeast winds around
30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Surf height 5 to 9 feet. Partly sunny. A chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s. Breezy. North winds around 25 mph.
.SATURDAY...Surf height 2 to 6 feet. Mostly sunny. A slight chance of
showers. Highs in the upper 60s. North winds around 20 mph.
.REMARKS FOR EXTENDED...Surf Heights greater than 4 feet typically
result in dangerous breaking waves in the surf zone and potentially
a Moderate to High Rip Risk.

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** The beach forecast graphic can be found at weather.gov/beach/akq.

VAZ099-100-230315-
Accomack-Northampton-
Including the beaches of Chincoteague, Wallops Island,
and Barrier Islands Between Cape Charles and Parramore
943 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High.
Surf Height.................4 to 6 feet.
UV Index**..................Moderate.
Water Temperature...........Upper 70s.
Weather.....................Cloudy. A chance of showers.
High Temperature............In the mid 70s.
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.
Tides...
Wachapreague.............Low at 11:35 AM EDT.
Remarks.....................Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions today. Dangerous
shore-break of 4 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal
injuries...affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak
occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing
neck and head injuries.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High.
Surf Height.................8 to 12 feet.
Weather.....................Cloudy. Rain likely.
High Temperature............In the lower 70s.
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds around 35 mph.
Tides...
Wachapreague.............High at 06:26 AM EDT.
Low at 12:29 PM EDT.
Remarks.....................Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions tomorrow. Dangerous
shore-break of 8 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal
injuries...affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak
occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing
neck and head injuries.

.EXTENDED...
.THURSDAY...Surf height 10 to 13 feet. Mostly cloudy. A chance of
showers. Highs around 70. Windy. Northeast winds around 35 mph.
.FRIDAY...Surf height 8 to 11 feet. Partly sunny. A chance of
showers. Highs in the upper 60s. Breezy. North winds around 25 mph.
.SATURDAY...Surf height 4 to 8 feet. Mostly sunny. A slight chance of
showers. Highs around 70. Breezy. North winds around 25 mph.
.REMARKS FOR EXTENDED...Surf Heights greater than 4 feet typically
result in dangerous breaking waves in the surf zone and potentially
a Moderate to High Rip Risk.

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** The beach forecast graphic can be found at weather.gov/beach/akq.

VAZ098-230315-
Virginia Beach-
Including the beaches of Virginia Beach and Sandbridge
943 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM WEDNESDAY TO 6 PM EDT
THURSDAY...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High.
Surf Height.................4 to 6 feet.
UV Index**..................Moderate.
Water Temperature...........Upper 70s.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and
a slight chance of thunderstorms.
High Temperature............In the lower 80s.
Winds.......................East winds 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
Virginia Beach...........Low at 10:55 AM EDT.
High at 05:26 PM EDT.
Remarks.....................Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions today. Dangerous
shore-break of 4 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal
injuries...affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak
occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing
neck and head injuries.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High.
Surf Height.................8 to 12 feet.
Weather.....................Cloudy. Rain.
High Temperature............In the mid 70s.
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph.
Tides...
Virginia Beach...........Low at 11:47 AM EDT.
Remarks.....................Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions tomorrow. Dangerous
shore-break of 8 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal
injuries...affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak
occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing
neck and head injuries.

.EXTENDED...
.THURSDAY...Surf height 10 to 13 feet. Mostly cloudy. A chance of
rain. Highs in the lower 70s. Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Surf height 8 to 11 feet. Partly sunny. A slight chance of
showers. Highs in the lower 70s. Breezy. North winds around 25 mph.
.SATURDAY...Surf height 4 to 8 feet. Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
North winds around 20 mph.
.REMARKS FOR EXTENDED...Surf Heights greater than 4 feet typically
result in dangerous breaking waves in the surf zone and potentially
a Moderate to High Rip Risk.

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** The beach forecast graphic can be found at weather.gov/beach/akq.

NCZ102-230315-
Outer Banks Currituck-
Including the beaches of Currituck County Beaches
943 AM EDT Tue Sep 22 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High.
Surf Height.................3 to 5 feet.
UV Index**..................Moderate.
Water Temperature...........Upper 70s.
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of
showers and thunderstorms.
High Temperature............Around 80.
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
Duck.....................Low at 10:39 AM EDT.
High at 05:11 PM EDT.
Remarks.....................Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions today. Dangerous
shore-break of 4 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal
injuries...affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak
occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing
neck and head injuries.

.WEDNESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High.
Surf Height.................8 to 12 feet.
Weather.....................Cloudy. Rain.
High Temperature............In the upper 70s.
Winds.......................Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph.
Tides...
Duck.....................Low at 11:31 AM EDT.
High at 05:54 PM EDT.
Remarks.....................Dangerous shore break neck injury conditions tomorrow. Dangerous
shore-break of 8 feet or greater can cause neck and spinal
injuries...affecting even the most able swimmers. Shorebreak
occurs when waves break directly on the beach potentially causing
neck and head injuries.

.EXTENDED...
.THURSDAY...Surf height 9 to 13 feet. Mostly cloudy. A chance of
rain. Highs in the mid 70s. Windy. Northeast winds around 35 mph.
.FRIDAY...Surf height 8 to 11 feet. Partly sunny. A chance of
showers. Highs in the lower 70s. Breezy. North winds around 25 mph.
.SATURDAY...Surf height 5 to 8 feet. Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
North winds around 15 mph.
.REMARKS FOR EXTENDED...Surf Heights greater than 4 feet typically
result in dangerous breaking waves in the surf zone and potentially
a Moderate to High Rip Risk.

Rip Current Risk Category
* Low Risk - The risk for rip currents is low, however,
life-threatening rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins,
jetties, reefs, and piers.
* Moderate Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the
surf zone.
* High Risk - Life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf
zone.

** The beach forecast graphic can be found at weather.gov/beach/akq.

The water now, measured

Buoy OCIM2, 8570283 - Ocean City Inlet, MD, 6.8 mi away, reported 3:00 PM.

Water temperature: 73 °F
Air temperature: 69 °F

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

South Point, Sinepuxent Neck, 5.2 mi away. Feet above mean lower low water.

Low tide4:40 AM0.5 ft
High tide9:34 AM0.7 ft
Low tide3:51 PM0.4 ft
High tide10:25 PM0.9 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 South Point, Sinepuxent Neck.

Sun and daylight

Sunrise today: 6:48 AM
Sunset today: 6:57 PM
Sunrise tomorrow: 6:49 AM
Sunset tomorrow: 6:56 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

Ocean City Beaches
Assateague

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

Thunderstorms build fast over water on a summer afternoon. 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 AKQ, issued 943 AM EDT, 9/22/2026. 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 MDZ025.