Eastern Essex Area Beaches: rip current risk and surf forecast

MassachusettsNear Essex, Essex CountyNWS zone MAZ007NWS 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 7 feet, water around 60. Buoy 44013, 20 mi out, measured 59 °F water and 4.9 ft waves. Sunset 6:28 PM.

Rip current risk: ModerateToday
Surf: Around 7 feetForecast
Water: Around 60Forecast
Sunset: 6:28 PMEDT

Rip current risk on the map

Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Eastern Essex 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 Eastern Essex 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 411 PM EDT, 9/28/2026.

Today Rest of today

Moderate rip current risk

Rip current risk: Moderate
Surf: Around 7 feet
Water temperature: Around 60
UV index: Low
High temperature: In the upper 50s
Weather: Cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers
Wind: Northeast winds around 15 mph
Thunderstorms: None

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

Tomorrow Tuesday

High rip current risk

Rip current risk: High
Surf: 4 to 5 feet
High temperature: In the mid 60s
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog
Wind: Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph
Thunderstorms: None

The surf zone forecast, period by period

Eastern Essex MA. Issued 4:11 PM EDT on Mon, Sep 28 by the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton.

Rest of today

Rip Current Risk: Moderate
Surf Height: Around 7 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
UV Index: Low
Water Temperature: Around 60
Weather: Cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers
High Temperature: In the upper 50s
Winds: Northeast winds around 15 mph
Tides, Newburyport: High 9.2 feet (MLLW) 01:20 PM EDT
Tides, Gloucester Harbor: High 10.1 feet (MLLW) 12:50 PM EDT

Tuesday

Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 4 to 5 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog
High Temperature: In the mid 60s
Winds: Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph
Tides, Newburyport: Low 0.3 feet (MLLW) 08:06 AM EDT. High 9.5 feet (MLLW) 02:03 PM EDT
Tides, Gloucester Harbor: Low 0.2 feet (MLLW) 07:21 AM EDT. High 10.3 feet (MLLW) 01:31 PM EDT

Wednesday

Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Southwest winds around 5 mph.

Thursday

Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Southwest winds around 5 mph.

Friday

Surf height 3 to 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Southwest winds around 5 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 282011
SRFBOX

Surf Zone Forecast
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

MAZ022-291000-
Barnstable MA-
Including the beaches of Chatham, Eastham, and Provincetown
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East Coast...............High. 
Surf Height...
   East Coast...............Around 6 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...
   East Coast...............Around 60. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers 
                            likely. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Nauset Beach.............High 4.8 feet (MLLW) 12:04 PM EDT.
   Hyannisport..............High 3.9 feet (MLLW) 01:50 PM EDT.
   Barnstable Harbor........High 10.9 feet (MLLW) 01:02 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East Coast...............Moderate. 
Surf Height...
   East Coast...............Around 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. 
High Temperature............In the lower 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Nauset Beach.............Low 0.0 feet (MLLW) 06:42 AM EDT.
                            High 4.9 feet (MLLW) 12:47 PM EDT.
   Hyannisport..............Low 0.5 feet (MLLW) 08:00 AM EDT.
                            High 4.1 feet (MLLW) 02:34 PM EDT.
   Barnstable Harbor........Low 0.1 feet (MLLW) 07:55 AM EDT.
                            High 11.1 feet (MLLW) 01:45 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. North winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 3 to 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper
60s. Southwest winds around 10 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 3 to 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper
60s. Southwest winds around 10 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

$$

MAZ024-291000-
Nantucket MA-
Including the beaches of Nantucket
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East Coast...............High. 
   South Coast..............High. 
Surf Height...
   East Coast...............Around 7 feet. 
   South Coast..............6 to 8 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...
   East Coast...............In the upper 50s. 
   South Coast..............Around 60. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. A chance of 
                            showers. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Nantucket................High 3.8 feet (MLLW) 01:53 PM EDT.
   Great Point..............High 3.5 feet (MLLW) 01:34 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East Coast...............Moderate. 
   South Coast..............High. 
Surf Height...
   East Coast...............5 to 6 feet. 
   South Coast..............3 to 6 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. Patchy fog. 
High Temperature............In the lower 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Nantucket................Low 0.4 feet (MLLW) 07:58 AM EDT.
                            High 4.0 feet (MLLW) 02:37 PM EDT.
   Great Point..............Low 0.0 feet (MLLW) 07:53 AM EDT.
                            High 3.6 feet (MLLW) 02:17 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
lower 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid
60s. Southwest winds around 10 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 3 to 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper
60s. Southwest winds around 15 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

$$

MAZ023-291000-
Dukes MA-
Including the beaches of Edgartown and Aquinnah
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................5 to 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. A chance of 
                            showers. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Southeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Squibnocket Point........Low -0.1 feet (MLLW) 03:13 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................3 to 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Squibnocket Point........High 3.6 feet (MLLW) 09:21 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.0 feet (MLLW) 03:55 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
upper 60s. Southwest winds around 10 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper
60s. Southwest winds around 15 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

$$

MAZ020-291000-
Southern Bristol MA-
Including the beaches of Westport, Dartmouth, and New Bedford
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................Around 6 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers 
                            likely. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................East winds around 5 mph.
Tides...
   Westport Harbor..........Low -0.1 feet (MLLW) 03:48 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................3 to 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tides...
   Westport Harbor..........High 3.8 feet (MLLW) 10:15 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.0 feet (MLLW) 04:30 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 2 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
upper 60s. West winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 2 to 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs around 70.
Southwest winds around 10 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 3 to 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower
70s. Southwest winds around 10 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

$$

RIZ007-291000-
Newport RI-
Including the beaches of Newport, Middletown, and Little Compton
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................5 to 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers 
                            likely. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Newport..................Low -0.1 feet (MLLW) 03:15 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................2 to 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy until 9 AM, then partly 
                            sunny. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tides...
   Newport..................High 4.5 feet (MLLW) 10:06 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.0 feet (MLLW) 03:57 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height 2 to 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height 2 to 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs around 70.
Southwest winds around 10 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower
70s. Southwest winds around 10 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

$$

RIZ006-291000-
Washington RI-
Including the beaches of Narragansett, Charlestown, and Westerly
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................6 to 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...........In the mid 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers 
                            likely. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Watch Hill Point.........Low -0.1 feet (MLLW) 04:31 PM EDT.
   Point Judith (Harbor)....Low -0.1 feet (MLLW) 03:45 PM EDT.
   Narragansett Pier........Low -0.1 feet (MLLW) 03:26 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................3 to 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the upper 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tides...
   Watch Hill Point.........High 3.3 feet (MLLW) 10:47 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.0 feet (MLLW) 05:13 PM EDT.
   Point Judith (Harbor)....High 4.1 feet (MLLW) 10:06 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.0 feet (MLLW) 04:31 PM EDT.
   Narragansett Pier........High 4.0 feet (MLLW) 09:55 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.0 feet (MLLW) 04:08 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
lower 70s. Southwest winds around 10 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid
70s. Southwest winds around 10 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

$$

RIZ008-291000-
Block Island RI-
Including the beaches of Block Island
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...........In the mid 60s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers 
                            likely. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Block Island (Old Harbor)Low 0.0 feet (MLLW) 03:24 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................3 to 4 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tides...
   Block Island (Old Harbor)High 3.8 feet (MLLW) 09:51 AM EDT.
                            Low 0.1 feet (MLLW) 04:06 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the
upper 60s. Southwest winds around 10 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height around 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper
60s. Southwest winds around 15 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

$$

MAZ019-291000-
Eastern Plymouth MA-
Including the beaches of Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Kingston, 
Marshfield, Plymouth, and Scituate
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................5 to 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...........Around 60. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................East winds around 10 mph.
Tides...
   Scituate Harbor..........High 10.1 feet (MLLW) 12:55 PM EDT.
   Plymouth.................High 11.1 feet (MLLW) 01:05 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................4 to 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tides...
   Scituate Harbor..........Low 0.2 feet (MLLW) 07:25 AM EDT.
                            High 10.3 feet (MLLW) 01:36 PM EDT.
   Plymouth.................Low 0.5 feet (MLLW) 07:51 AM EDT.
                            High 11.4 feet (MLLW) 01:48 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
mid 60s. North winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid
70s. Southwest winds around 10 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 2 to 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid
70s. Southwest winds around 10 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

$$

MAZ015-016-291000-
Suffolk MA-Eastern Norfolk MA-
Including the beaches of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, 
Braintree, Milton, Quincy, and Weymouth
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................Around 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...........In the upper 50s. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers. 
High Temperature............In the lower 60s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Boston...................High 10.9 feet (MLLW) 12:51 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................4 to 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tides...
   Boston...................Low 0.1 feet (MLLW) 07:25 AM EDT.
                            High 11.1 feet (MLLW) 01:34 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid
70s. Southwest winds around 10 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid
70s. West winds around 10 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

$$

MAZ007-291000-
Eastern Essex MA-
Including the beaches of Beverly, Gloucester, and Newburyport
411 PM EDT Mon Sep 28 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Moderate. 
Surf Height.................Around 7 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
UV Index**..................Low. 
Water Temperature...........Around 60. 
Weather.....................Cloudy. Patchy fog. Showers. 
High Temperature............In the upper 50s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 15 mph.
Tides...
   Newburyport..............High 9.2 feet (MLLW) 01:20 PM EDT.
   Gloucester Harbor........High 10.1 feet (MLLW) 12:50 PM EDT.

.TUESDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........High. 
Surf Height.................4 to 5 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog. 
High Temperature............In the mid 60s. 
Winds.......................Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tides...
   Newburyport..............Low 0.3 feet (MLLW) 08:06 AM EDT.
                            High 9.5 feet (MLLW) 02:03 PM EDT.
   Gloucester Harbor........Low 0.2 feet (MLLW) 07:21 AM EDT.
                            High 10.3 feet (MLLW) 01:31 PM EDT.

.WEDNESDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Partly sunny. Highs in the
mid 60s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Surf height around 3 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid
70s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. 
.FRIDAY...Surf height 3 to 4 feet. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid
70s. Southwest winds around 5 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 44013, BOSTON 16 NM East of Boston, MA, 20 mi away, reported 2:50 AM.

Waves: 4.9 ft at 8 seconds from the E
Dominant period: 8 s
Swell: 4.3 ft at 8 s from the east
Wind waves: 3.0 ft at 6 s from the east-northeast
Average period: 5.3 s
Mean wave direction: E (91°)
Steepness: Average
Water temperature: 59 °F
Air temperature: 57 °F
Wind: 12 kt from the NW

From NOAA's National Data Buoy Center; swell and wind waves from the buoy's wave spectrum, 2:40 AM. Wave height is the significant height, the average of the highest third; the largest waves run half again as high. The dominant period is the period of the most energetic waves, the average period that of all of them. Offshore buoys read bigger than the surf at the beach.

Swell forecast

The Copernicus Marine Service's global wave model, at the nearest sea point of the model, 2.8 mi from these beaches, every 3 hours through Wed, Oct 7.

Waves 2.0 ft to 3.2 ft today, the main swell 2.4 ft at 6 s from the east. Biggest in the next 7 days: 3.2 ft today.

Waves (significant height)
Primary swell
Secondary swell
Wind waves

Day	Waves	Main swell at midday	Wind waves	Longest period
Tue, Sep 29	2.0 to 3.2 ft	2.4 ft at 6 s from the east	0.8 ft	9 s
Wed, Sep 30	1.7 to 2.0 ft	1.9 ft at 8 s from the east	0.1 ft	9 s
Thu, Oct 1	1.4 to 1.9 ft	1.3 ft at 7 s from the east	1.2 ft	9 s
Fri, Oct 2	1.1 to 1.8 ft	1.0 ft at 8 s from the east-southeast	1.0 ft	11 s
Sat, Oct 3	0.9 to 1.2 ft	0.8 ft at 8 s from the east-southeast	0.8 ft	11 s
Sun, Oct 4	0.9 to 1.0 ft	0.7 ft at 8 s from the east-southeast	0.1 ft	10 s
Mon, Oct 5	1.0 to 1.8 ft	1.2 ft at 5 s from the east-southeast	1.2 ft	9 s

Every 6 hours

Heights in feet, periods in seconds, directions the waves come from. Times are local.
Time	Waves	Peak period	Primary swell	Secondary swell	Wind waves
Tue, Sep 29
2:00 AM	3.2 ft	9 s E	3.1 ft 6 s E	0.6 ft 3 s NNE	0.8 ft 2 s NNW
8:00 AM	2.7 ft	8 s E	2.6 ft 6 s E	0.2 ft 3 s N	0.5 ft 2 s NW
2:00 PM	2.2 ft	8 s E	2.2 ft 6 s E	0.3 ft 14 s ESE	None
8:00 PM	2.0 ft	9 s E	2.0 ft 7 s E	None	None
Wed, Sep 30
2:00 AM	2.0 ft	9 s E	2.0 ft 7 s E	0.2 ft 15 s NW	None
8:00 AM	2.0 ft	9 s E	1.9 ft 8 s E	0.3 ft 3 s NE	None
2:00 PM	1.8 ft	9 s E	1.8 ft 8 s E	0.3 ft 3 s NE	None
8:00 PM	1.7 ft	9 s E	1.7 ft 7 s E	0.3 ft 3 s NE	None
Thu, Oct 1
2:00 AM	1.6 ft	9 s ESE	1.5 ft 8 s E	0.5 ft 2 s SSE	0.2 ft 2 s SW
8:00 AM	1.5 ft	9 s ESE	1.3 ft 8 s E	0.6 ft 4 s SSE	0.2 ft 2 s SW
2:00 PM	1.4 ft	9 s ESE	1.3 ft 7 s E	None	0.5 ft 2 s SSW
8:00 PM	1.9 ft	9 s SSE	1.2 ft 8 s E	0.8 ft 3 s SSE	1.2 ft 2 s SSW
Fri, Oct 2
2:00 AM	1.8 ft	10 s SSE	1.0 ft 7 s E	0.7 ft 7 s SSE	1.0 ft 2 s SW
8:00 AM	1.4 ft	11 s SE	1.0 ft 8 s ESE	0.6 ft 3 s S	0.5 ft 2 s WSW
2:00 PM	1.2 ft	11 s ESE	1.0 ft 8 s ESE	0.2 ft 3 s SSE	0.6 ft 2 s SSW
8:00 PM	1.2 ft	11 s SE	0.9 ft 8 s ESE	0.8 ft 3 s S	None
Sat, Oct 3
2:00 AM	1.0 ft	11 s ESE	0.9 ft 8 s ESE	0.5 ft 3 s SSE	0.2 ft 2 s NNW
8:00 AM	1.1 ft	10 s E	0.8 ft 8 s ESE	0.2 ft 3 s NNE	0.6 ft 2 s NNW
2:00 PM	1.1 ft	10 s ENE	0.8 ft 8 s ESE	0.6 ft 3 s NE	0.3 ft 2 s NE
8:00 PM	1.0 ft	10 s E	0.8 ft 8 s ESE	0.5 ft 3 s ENE	None
Sun, Oct 4
2:00 AM	0.9 ft	10 s E	0.7 ft 8 s ESE	0.4 ft 3 s ENE	None
8:00 AM	0.9 ft	9 s E	0.7 ft 8 s ESE	0.5 ft 2 s ENE	None
2:00 PM	1.0 ft	9 s E	0.7 ft 8 s ESE	0.5 ft 6 s ENE	None
8:00 PM	0.9 ft	9 s E	0.7 ft 8 s ESE	0.4 ft 6 s NE	None
Mon, Oct 5
2:00 AM	1.0 ft	9 s ESE	0.6 ft 7 s ESE	0.3 ft 10 s E	None
8:00 AM	1.3 ft	5 s ESE	1.1 ft 4 s ESE	0.3 ft 8 s E	0.3 ft 1 s SW
2:00 PM	1.8 ft	6 s SE	1.3 ft 5 s ESE	0.3 ft 10 s E	1.0 ft 2 s W
8:00 PM	1.7 ft	6 s E	1.3 ft 5 s ESE	0.2 ft 9 s E	1.0 ft 2 s WNW
Tue, Oct 6
2:00 AM	1.6 ft	8 s E	1.3 ft 6 s E	0.2 ft 3 s WSW	1.0 ft 2 s NW
8:00 AM	1.3 ft	8 s E	1.2 ft 6 s E	0.2 ft 4 s NNE	0.5 ft 2 s NW
2:00 PM	1.1 ft	8 s E	1.0 ft 6 s E	0.4 ft 3 s NE	None
8:00 PM	0.9 ft	7 s E	0.8 ft 6 s E	0.2 ft 3 s NNE	None
Wed, Oct 7
2:00 AM	0.7 ft	7 s E	0.6 ft 6 s E	0.2 ft 7 s SE	None
8:00 AM	0.6 ft	7 s E	0.5 ft 6 s E	0.2 ft 8 s SE	None
2:00 PM	0.5 ft	7 s E	0.4 ft 6 s E	0.3 ft 8 s ESE	None
8:00 PM	0.4 ft	7 s ESE	0.3 ft 6 s E	0.3 ft 8 s ESE	None

Wave height is the significant height, the average of the highest third of the waves. Swell is the long-period energy raised by distant storms; wind waves are the short chop raised by the local wind. A longer period carries more energy and breaks bigger on the sand. Offshore model heights read larger than the surf at a sheltered beach.

Tides today

Essex, 1.7 mi away. Feet above mean lower low water.

High tide1:30 AM9.8 ft
Low tide7:58 AM0.3 ft
High tide1:42 PM10.8 ft
Low tide8:32 PM-0.4 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 Essex.

Sun and daylight

Sunrise today: 6:38 AM
Sunset today: 6:28 PM
Sunrise tomorrow: 6:39 AM
Sunset tomorrow: 6:26 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

Beverly
Gloucester
Newburyport

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 411 PM EDT, 9/28/2026. Original at NWS. Waves and water temperature measured by NOAA's National Data Buoy Center. Swell forecast: E.U. Copernicus Marine Service Information (global wave analysis and forecast, Météo-France MFWAM). Tides from NOAA CO-OPS. Alerts from the National Weather Service for zone MAZ007.