Bristol Area Beaches: rip current risk and surf forecast

MassachusettsNear Bliss Corner, Bristol CountyNWS zone MAZ020NWS Boston/Norton

Rip current risk today: Moderate. Life-threatening rip currents are possible. Swim near a lifeguard, and follow the beach patrol and its flags.

Surf around 5 feet, water in the upper 60s. Buoy 44085, 11 mi out, measured 67 °F water and 3.0 ft waves. Sunset 6:43 PM.

Rip current risk: ModerateToday
Surf: Around 5 feetForecast
Water: In the upper 60sForecast
Sunset: 6:43 PMEDT

Rip current risk on the map

Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Bristol 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 force1

Beach hazards statements, high surf advisories, rip current statements and every other National Weather Service product in force for zone MAZ020.

Rip Current Statementuntil Tue 8:00 PM
Rip Current Statement issued September 21 at 2:15PM EDT until September 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...Massachusetts and Rhode Island coasts. * WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

All alerts for this area.

Today and tomorrow

From the National Weather Service beach forecast, issued 409 PM EDT, 9/21/2026.

Today Rest of today

Moderate rip current risk

Rip current risk: Moderate
Surf: Around 5 feet
Water temperature: In the upper 60s
UV index: Moderate
High temperature: In the mid 60s
Weather: Mostly sunny
Wind: Northeast winds around 15 mph
Thunderstorms: None

UV index 3 to 5. Cover up and stay in the shade near midday.

Tomorrow Tuesday

High rip current risk

Rip current risk: High
Surf: 4 to 6 feet
High temperature: In the mid 60s
Weather: Mostly cloudy
Wind: Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph
Thunderstorms: None

The surf zone forecast, period by period

Southern Bristol MA. Issued 4:09 PM EDT on Mon, Sep 21 by the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton.

High rip current risk in effect from tuesday morning through tuesday evening

Rest of today

Rip Current Risk: Moderate
Surf Height: Around 5 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
UV Index: Moderate
Water Temperature: In the upper 60s
Weather: Mostly sunny
High Temperature: In the mid 60s
Winds: Northeast winds around 15 mph
Tides, Westport Harbor: High 2.6 feet (MLLW) 04:56 PM EDT

Tuesday

Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 4 to 6 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
Weather: Mostly cloudy
High Temperature: In the mid 60s
Winds: Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph
Tides, Westport Harbor: Low 0.6 feet (MLLW) 11:32 AM EDT. High 2.7 feet (MLLW) 05:47 PM EDT

Wednesday

Surf height 6 to 10 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph.

Thursday

Surf height 9 to 12 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph.

Friday

Surf height 10 to 13 feet. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 60s. Windy. North winds around 30 mph.

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see: https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

The product as issued

FZUS51 KBOX 212009
SRFBOX

Surf Zone Forecast
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

MAZ022-221000-
Barnstable MA-
Including the beaches of Chatham, Eastham, and Provincetown
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East Coast...............Moderate. 
Surf Height...
   East Coast...............Around 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...
   East Coast...............In the mid 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Nauset Beach.............Low 1.1 feet (MLLW) 01:06 PM EDT.
   Hyannisport..............Low 1.1 feet (MLLW) 01:58 PM EDT.
   Barnstable Harbor........Low 2.4 feet (MLLW) 02:19 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East Coast...............High. 
Surf Height...
   East Coast...............Around 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy until 4 PM, then partly 
                            sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Nauset Beach.............High 3.6 feet (MLLW) 08:05 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.9 feet (MLLW) 02:01 PM EDT.
   Hyannisport..............High 2.8 feet (MLLW) 09:50 AM EDT.
                            Low 1.0 feet (MLLW) 02:52 PM EDT.
   Barnstable Harbor........High 8.3 feet (MLLW) 09:03 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.1 feet (MLLW) 03:14 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 6 to 10 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 9 to 12 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 13 to 17 feet. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely
and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 60s. Windy.
Northeast winds around 35 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

$$

MAZ024-221000-
Nantucket MA-
Including the beaches of Nantucket
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East Coast...............High. 
   South Coast..............High. 
Surf Height...
   East Coast...............Around 4 feet. 
   South Coast..............Around 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...
   East Coast...............In the lower 60s. 
   South Coast..............In the mid 60s. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 20 mph.
Tides...
   Nantucket................Low 1.0 feet (MLLW) 02:26 PM EDT.
   Great Point..............Low 0.8 feet (MLLW) 02:17 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East Coast...............High. 
   South Coast..............High. 
Surf Height...
   East Coast...............5 to 6 feet. 
   South Coast..............4 to 6 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
   Nantucket................High 2.7 feet (MLLW) 09:48 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.9 feet (MLLW) 03:20 PM EDT.
   Great Point..............High 2.7 feet (MLLW) 09:35 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.7 feet (MLLW) 03:12 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 7 to 11 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 10 to 13 feet. Mostly cloudy. A slight chance
of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Windy. Northeast winds around
30 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 15 to 18 feet. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely
and a chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 60s. Very windy.
Northeast winds around 40 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

$$

MAZ023-221000-
Dukes MA-
Including the beaches of Edgartown and Aquinnah
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................Around 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...........In the upper 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 20 mph.
Tides...
   Squibnocket Point........High 2.5 feet (MLLW) 04:02 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................4 to 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
   Squibnocket Point........Low 0.6 feet (MLLW) 10:57 AM EDT.
                            High 2.7 feet (MLLW) 04:53 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 6 to 10 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 10 to 12 feet. Partly sunny. A slight chance
of showers. Highs in the mid 60s. Windy. Northeast winds around
30 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 13 to 16 feet. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely
and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 60s. Windy.
Northeast winds around 35 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

$$

MAZ020-221000-
Southern Bristol MA-
Including the beaches of Westport, Dartmouth, and New Bedford
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...........In the upper 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Westport Harbor..........High 2.6 feet (MLLW) 04:56 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................4 to 6 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
   Westport Harbor..........Low 0.6 feet (MLLW) 11:32 AM EDT.
                            High 2.7 feet (MLLW) 05:47 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 6 to 10 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 9 to 12 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 10 to 13 feet. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely
and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 60s. Windy.
North winds around 30 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

$$

RIZ007-221000-
Newport RI-
Including the beaches of Newport, Middletown, and Little Compton
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................4 to 6 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...........In the upper 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Newport..................High 3.1 feet (MLLW) 04:47 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................4 to 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
   Newport..................Low 0.7 feet (MLLW) 10:59 AM EDT.
                            High 3.2 feet (MLLW) 05:38 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 6 to 10 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 10 to 12 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 12 to 15 feet. Mostly cloudy. A chance of
showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 60s.
Windy. North winds around 30 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

$$

RIZ006-221000-
Washington RI-
Including the beaches of Narragansett, Charlestown, and Westerly
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................4 to 6 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...........In the upper 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Watch Hill Point.........Low 0.7 feet (MLLW) 11:18 AM EDT.
                            High 2.3 feet (MLLW) 05:28 PM EDT.
   Point Judith (Harbor)....High 2.9 feet (MLLW) 04:35 PM EDT.
   Narragansett Pier........High 2.8 feet (MLLW) 04:36 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................4 to 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
Tides...
   Watch Hill Point.........Low 0.5 feet (MLLW) 12:15 PM EDT.
   Point Judith (Harbor)....Low 0.7 feet (MLLW) 11:17 AM EDT.
                            High 3.0 feet (MLLW) 05:33 PM EDT.
   Narragansett Pier........Low 0.7 feet (MLLW) 11:10 AM EDT.
                            High 2.9 feet (MLLW) 05:27 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 7 to 11 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 11 to 13 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 13 to 16 feet. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely.
Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. North winds around 25 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

$$

RIZ008-221000-
Block Island RI-
Including the beaches of Block Island
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................Around 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...........Around 70. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 20 mph.
Tides...
   Block Island (Old Harbor)High 2.7 feet (MLLW) 05:00 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................5 to 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Breezy. Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph.
Tides...
   Block Island (Old Harbor)Low 0.7 feet (MLLW) 11:17 AM EDT.
                            High 2.9 feet (MLLW) 05:44 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 9 to 12 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 11 to 14 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 13 to 16 feet. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely
and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 60s. Windy.
North winds around 35 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

$$

MAZ019-221000-
Eastern Plymouth MA-
Including the beaches of Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Kingston, 
Marshfield, Plymouth, and Scituate
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Scituate Harbor..........Low 2.2 feet (MLLW) 01:53 PM EDT.
   Plymouth.................Low 2.4 feet (MLLW) 02:13 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................3 to 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the lower 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph.
Tides...
   Scituate Harbor..........High 7.6 feet (MLLW) 08:57 AM EDT.
                            Low 1.9 feet (MLLW) 02:48 PM EDT.
   Plymouth.................High 8.2 feet (MLLW) 08:54 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.1 feet (MLLW) 03:06 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 4 to 8 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 7 to 10 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Breezy. Northeast winds around 25 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 11 to 14 feet. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely.
Highs in the lower 60s. Windy. Northeast winds around 30 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

$$

MAZ015-016-221000-
Suffolk MA-Eastern Norfolk MA-
Including the beaches of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, 
Braintree, Milton, Quincy, and Weymouth
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Boston...................Low 2.4 feet (MLLW) 01:49 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................4 to 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy until 1 PM, then mostly 
                            sunny. 
High Temperature............In the lower 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph.
Tides...
   Boston...................High 8.3 feet (MLLW) 08:52 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.1 feet (MLLW) 02:44 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 5 to 7 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 8 to 9 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the lower
60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 10 to 14 feet. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely.
Highs in the lower 60s. Breezy. North winds around 25 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box

$$

MAZ007-221000-
Eastern Essex MA-
Including the beaches of Beverly, Gloucester, and Newburyport
409 PM EDT Mon Sep 21 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Moderate. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 5 mph.
Tides...
   Newburyport..............Low 1.7 feet (MLLW) 02:30 PM EDT.
   Gloucester Harbor........Low 2.2 feet (MLLW) 01:50 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................4 to 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy until 12 PM, then mostly 
                            sunny. 
High Temperature............In the lower 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph.
Tides...
   Newburyport..............High 6.8 feet (MLLW) 09:00 AM EDT.
                            Low 1.5 feet (MLLW) 03:24 PM EDT.
   Gloucester Harbor........High 7.5 feet (MLLW) 08:55 AM EDT.
                            Low 2.0 feet (MLLW) 02:45 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 5 to 7 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 8 to 9 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower
60s. Northeast winds around 20 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 10 to 14 feet. Mostly cloudy. A chance of
showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Windy. Northeast winds around
30 mph.

&&

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.

** For thunderstorm, waterspout, and UV definitions see:
https://www.weather.gov/beach/box


$$

The water now, measured

Buoy 44085, Buzzards Bay, MA (260), 11 mi away, reported 9:00 PM.

Waves: 3.0 ft at 4 seconds from the NE
Water temperature: 67 °F
Air temperature: 63 °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

Round Hill Point, 0.6 mi away. Feet above mean lower low water.

High tide4:23 AM2.7 ft
Low tide10:07 AM0.9 ft
High tide5:13 PM3.1 ft
Low tide11:33 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 Round Hill Point.

Sun and daylight

Sunrise today: 6:30 AM
Sunset today: 6:43 PM
Sunrise tomorrow: 6:31 AM
Sunset tomorrow: 6:41 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

Westport
Dartmouth
New Bedford

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 BOX, issued 409 PM EDT, 9/21/2026. 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 MAZ020.