Weekend beach and surf forecast: July 20 and 21

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Up and down the southeast coast the summer doldrums have set in. Surf has been small in the 1-2 foot range which for this time of year is typical since July is climatologically the smallest month of the year when it comes to waves on the east coast.

As we go throughout this weekend expect a small short period windswell with not much energy to back it up. There is the potential for a small uptick in waves Sunday morning but it is certainly not worth taking off work for.

Now for those who do not surf but still want to enjoy a nice day at the beach, I would recommend you get to the beaches early to enjoy the morning hours. This is because throughout the afternoon the chance for showers and storms will increase as a stationary front will remain stalled across the region. Some storms throughout the afternoon may be on the stronger side with gusty winds being the primary concern as well as frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

SURF-CAST

With a lack of storm activity offshore for the past week the waves have been small. The most size has occurred during incoming high tide and that will likely remain the case this weekend. Our main source of swell will be from high pressure in the Atlantic Ocean as a large area of fetch is setting up well offshore. However, it does not look like the biggest part of the swell will arrive in our area until the workweek.

How waves form

Waves form as winds blow over the surface of a body of water. As the wind blows, it transfers its energy to the water causing water molecules to move in a circular motion. As the water molecules move up and down in a circular pattern, waves will form and move in the direction that the wind is blowing.

SATURDAY

As we head throughout the morning there will be a mixture of clouds and sun with the chance for a stray shower along the coast. Temperatures will be starting in the lower 80s and winds will be light out of the southwest at 5-10 mph producing a clean ocean surface throughout the morning hours. As we go through the late morning and early afternoon more clouds will start to form as temperatures heat up into the upper 80s to lower 90s. With the heat and humidity in place, all we need is a trigger to form afternoon storms. There will be two main mechanisms for forcing across the region, the first is our sea breeze which will push onshore and develop coastal showers and storms during the early afternoon. The sea breeze will also make for choppy ocean conditions in the afternoon as winds will be out of the south and southeast at 10-15 mph. The second is a stationary front which will be draped across the interior sections of the state and will produce more widespread storms that move from west to east throughout the afternoon. Some storms may be on the stronger side with gusty winds upwards of 50-60 mph being the main threat as well as frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

Waves will be in the 1-2 foot range with the largest sets being possible during the early morning high tide.

UV Index: Very High – Sunscreen is recommended

Rip Current Risk: Low

TIDES:

High: 7:34 am

Low: 2:03 pm

SUNDAY

A mix of sun and clouds will start the day on Sunday with temperatures in the lower 80s early on. Unlike Saturday, the chance for rain will likely hold off until the afternoon when the sea breeze pushes onshore again. Speaking of the afternoon temperatures will be in the upper 80s to lower 90s along with a strong southeast wind at 10-15 mph making for a choppy ocean surface. The chance for showers and storms will be slightly less along the coastline due to the stationary front starting to lift off to the northwest through the day. Despite this, scattered storms are still possible with our sea breeze and a few stronger storms may form with the main threats being gusty winds and lightning.

Wave heights will be in the 2-3 foot range during the early morning high tide. Throughout the day waves will diminish to around 2 feet.

UV Index: Very High – Sunscreen is recommended

Rip Current Risk: Low

TIDES:

High: 8:32 am

Low: 2:50 pm

Make sure you keep an eye on the sky this weekend especially, during the afternoon hours storms. If you hear thunder roar, the safe decision would be to seek shelter until the storm passes since the beach can be a dangerous place to be during a thunderstorm. As for surfing, I would try to target the early morning high tide. This will ensure you can surf the most size with the incoming high tide as well as score the cleanest conditions without worrying about storms!

See you in the water!