Heat advisory and high rip current risk issued in the Wilmington area. Here's the latest.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wednesday in Wilmington.

"Hot and humid conditions will continue through today with a better chance for convection than previous days," according to a Wednesday weather briefing from the National Weather Service in Wilmington. "Showers and thunderstorms will become more widespread as a front stalls in the area on Thursday through much of the upcoming weekend."

Additionally, a high chance of rip currents is expected across coastal beaches in the Cape Fear region, according to the weather briefing. Isolated severe weather is possible Thursday, with a small craft advisory remaining in effect until Thursday morning.

On Sunday, a young woman died after being caught in a rip current at Ocean Isle Beach.

Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, no tropical activity is expected for the next five to seven days, according to the National Weather Service. Residents should remain cautious, stay hydrated, and be mindful of rip current risks while enjoying the beach.

What to expect in the Wilmington area

New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties can expect heat index values up to 106 degrees between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service heat advisory. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

A high rip current risk with a strong South to North longshore current is expected at all beaches, with the exception of Brunswick County, according to the National Weather Service routine weather briefing. Dangerous rip currents are expected through the weekend, with risk decreasing to moderate levels on Friday and Saturday.

Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Thursday with possible flash flooding later in the week, according to the weather briefing. An additional heat advisory may be issued Thursday.

A small craft advisory has been issued and remains in effect until 9 a.m. on Thursday. Southwest winds of approximately 17 to 23 miles per hour are expected, with gusts up to approximately 29 miles per hour.

A 70% chance of precipitation is expected in Wilmington on Wednesday. Chances increase to 60-85% on Thursday, 80% on Friday, and 75% on Saturday.

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What are rip currents?

Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving currents of water that flow away from the shore at surf beaches, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association. Often, these currents move swimmers far from shore before they realize it, pulling them into deeper waters. This can cause fear and distress as swimmers attempt to return to safety.

Identifying and responding to rip currents

Rip currents can be challenging to spot, but beachgoers should look for darker, choppy water that disrupts the incoming wave pattern. They form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach. The water returns to sea through the rip current. Another clue may be a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current.

While it may be difficult to do, the U.S. Lifesaving Association says swimmers should "relax," noting the rip current will not pull them under. Swimmers should try swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.

The U.S. Lifesaving Association notes if the current circulates back toward the shore, floating or treading water may be a good way to get out of the current.

Are you prepared for a hurricane?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Even though there are no active storms in the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, or the Gulf of Mexico as of Wednesday, it's never too early to be prepared.