Pender Area Beaches: rip current risk and surf forecast

North CarolinaNear Surf City, Pender CountyNWS zone NCZ106NWS Wilmington NC

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 1 to 3 feet, water around 80. Buoy 41110, 16 mi out, measured 81 °F water and 2.6 ft waves. Sunset 7:10 PM.

Rip current risk: LowToday
Surf: 1 to 3 feetForecast
Water: Around 80Forecast
Sunset: 7:10 PMEDT

Rip current risk on the map

Today’s rip current risk in every surf zone the National Weather Service forecasts for over Pender 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 Pender 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 1053 AM EDT, 9/20/2026.

Today Rest of today

Low rip current risk

Rip current risk: Low
Surf: 1 to 3 feet
Water temperature: Around 80
UV index: High
High temperature: In the mid 80s
Weather: Mostly sunny
Wind: East winds around 10 mph
Thunderstorms: None
Waterspouts: Low

UV index 6 to 7. Sunburn protection is needed; reduce time in the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tomorrow Monday

Low rip current risk

Rip current risk: Low
Surf: 1 to 3 feet
High temperature: In the mid 80s
Weather: Mostly sunny
Wind: Light and variable winds, becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon
Thunderstorms: None
Waterspouts: Low

The surf zone forecast, period by period

Coastal Pender. Issued 10:53 AM EDT on Sun, Sep 20 by the National Weather Service in Wilmington NC.

Rest of today

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 1 to 3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
Waterspout Risk: Low
UV Index: High
Water Temperature: Around 80
Weather: Mostly sunny
High Temperature: In the mid 80s
Winds: East winds around 10 mph
Tides, Topsail Inlet: High at 03:40 PM EDT
Remarks: None

Monday

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 1 to 3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
Waterspout Risk: Low
Weather: Mostly sunny
High Temperature: In the mid 80s
Winds: Light and variable winds, becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon
Tides, Topsail Inlet: Low at 09:47 AM EDT. High at 04:34 PM EDT
Remarks: None

The days after

Tuesday. Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Partly sunny. Showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. Northeast winds around 5 mph.

Wednesday. Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. North winds around 15 mph.

Thursday. Low rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 4 feet. Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. North winds around 15 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/ilm

The product as issued

FZUS52 KILM 201453
SRFILM

Surf Zone Forecast
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
1053 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

NCZ106-210415-
Coastal Pender-
Including the beaches of Surf City and Topsail Beach
1053 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 to 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Low. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........Around 80. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 80s. 
Winds.......................East winds around 10 mph. 
Tides...
   Topsail Inlet............High at 03:40 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 to 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Low. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 80s. 
Winds.......................Light and variable winds, becoming 
                            southeast around 5 mph in the 
                            afternoon.
Tides...
   Topsail Inlet............Low at 09:47 AM EDT.
                            High at 04:34 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Partly
sunny. Showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in
the mid 80s. Northeast winds around 5 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s.
North winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 4 feet. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s.
North 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/ilm

$$

NCZ108-210415-
Coastal New Hanover-
Including the beaches of Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island, 
Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher
1053 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........Around 80. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. A slight chance of 
                            showers and thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the mid 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
Tides...
   Mercer Pier..............High at 03:20 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 5 mph, becoming 
                            east in the afternoon.
Tides...
   Mercer Pier..............Low at 09:58 AM EDT.
                            High at 04:16 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height around 1 foot. Partly
sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the
lower 80s. Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 2 feet. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 80. North
winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 2 to 4 feet. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s.
North winds around 20 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/ilm

$$

NCZ110-210415-
Coastal Brunswick-
Including the beaches of Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Holden Beach, 
Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach
1053 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East of Ocean Isle Beach.Low. 
   Ocean Isle Beach West....Low. 
Surf Height...
   East of Ocean Isle Beach.1 to 2 feet. 
   Ocean Isle Beach West....1 to 3 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....Low. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of 
                            showers and thunderstorms. 
High Temperature............In the mid 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
Tides...
   Oak Island...............High at 03:32 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   East of Ocean Isle Beach.Low. 
   Ocean Isle Beach West....Low. 
Surf Height...
   East of Ocean Isle Beach.1 foot. 
   Ocean Isle Beach West....1 foot. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 5 mph, becoming 
                            southeast in the afternoon.
Tides...
   Oak Island...............Low at 10:07 AM EDT.
                            High at 04:26 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height around 1 foot. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms.
Highs in the mid 80s. Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height around 1 foot. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s.
Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height around 1 foot. Partly
sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the
upper 70s. North winds around 20 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/ilm

$$

SCZ054-210415-
Coastal Horry-
Including the beaches of Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach, 
Atlantic Beach, Windy Hill, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, 
and Garden City
1053 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   North of Myrtle Beach....Low. 
   Myrtle Beach South.......Low. 
Surf Height...
   North of Myrtle Beach....1 to 3 feet. 
   Myrtle Beach South.......1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
Tides...
   Springmaid Pier..........High at 03:31 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...
   North of Myrtle Beach....Low. 
   Myrtle Beach South.......Low. 
Surf Height...
   North of Myrtle Beach....1 foot. 
   Myrtle Beach South.......1 to 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 80s. 
Winds.......................North winds around 5 mph, becoming 
                            southeast in the afternoon.
Tides...
   Springmaid Pier..........Low at 09:58 AM EDT.
                            High at 04:23 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height around 1 foot. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms.
Highs in the lower 80s. Northeast winds around 5 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 2 feet. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 80.
Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Partly
sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the
upper 70s. North 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/ilm

$$

SCZ056-210415-
Coastal Georgetown-
Including the beaches of Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, 
Pawleys Island, and Debordieu Beach
1053 AM EDT Sun Sep 20 2026

.REST OF TODAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................Around 2 feet. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
UV Index**..................High. 
Water Temperature...........In the lower 80s. 
Weather.....................Partly sunny. A slight chance of 
                            showers. 
High Temperature............In the lower 80s. 
Winds.......................Northeast winds around 10 mph. 
Tides...
   Winyah Bay Entrance......High at 03:39 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.MONDAY...
Rip Current Risk*...........Low. 
Surf Height.................1 foot. 
Thunderstorm Potential**....None. 
Waterspout Risk**...........Moderate. 
Weather.....................Mostly sunny. 
High Temperature............In the mid 80s. 
Winds.......................North winds around 5 mph, becoming east 
                            in the afternoon.
Tides...
   Winyah Bay Entrance......Low at 09:48 AM EDT.
                            High at 04:33 PM EDT. 
Remarks.....................None.

.EXTENDED...
.TUESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height around 1 foot. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s.
Northeast winds around 5 mph. 
.WEDNESDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 2 feet. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 80.
Northeast winds around 15 mph. 
.THURSDAY...Low rip current risk*. Surf height 1 to 3 feet. Partly
sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s.
North 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/ilm


$$

The water now, measured

Buoy 41110, Masonboro Inlet, ILM2, NC (150), 16 mi away, reported 11:00 AM.

Waves: 2.6 ft at 4 seconds
Water temperature: 81 °F
Air temperature: 79 °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

Ocean City Beach (fishing pier), 8.9 mi away. Feet above mean lower low water.

High tide2:56 AM3.2 ft
Low tide8:44 AM1.2 ft
High tide3:40 PM4.4 ft
Low tide10:14 PM1.4 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 Ocean City Beach (fishing pier).

Sun and daylight

Sunrise today: 6:57 AM
Sunset today: 7:10 PM
Sunrise tomorrow: 6:58 AM
Sunset tomorrow: 7:08 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

Surf City
Topsail Beach

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 ILM, issued 1053 AM 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 NCZ106.