As the month of July comes to an end this week, and August approaches, beach weather is not going well.
However, on Sunday night, July 26, the National Weather Service Beach warnings issued To beaches in three different US states. Beaches are dealing with everything from massive 10-foot waves to freezing temperatures, creating “dangerous” conditions for beachgoers.
The states of California, Maine and North Carolina have been placed on alert, with many beaches in those states warned of potentially dangerous conditions on Sunday and Monday, July 26.
California beaches placed on alert include: San Luis Obispo County beaches, Santa Barbara County Central Coast beaches, Ventura County beaches, Malibu coast and Los Angeles County beaches and parts of San Diego and San Francisco.
Meanwhile, coastal Hancock and coastal Washington counties in Maine and the northern Outer Banks in North Carolina have also been put on alert.
California beaches can be hit with waves nearly 10 feet high.
The warning, which will last until 6 p.m. PT Wednesday, says, “The prolonged southward movement will increase the risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents. Waves will reach 10 feet at some south- and southwest-facing beaches and break points.”
“Hazardous conditions are forecast along the shoreline. Hazards include sneaker waves, strong rip currents and large breaking waves.”
sneaker waves, as defined by the National Weather Service Because “large, unpredictable ocean waves that extend much farther up the coast than previous waves” may also be possible in the area.
Residents are being warned to take precautions.
“Stay away from piers, jetties, rocks and other aquatic infrastructure. Stay out of the water to avoid dangerous surf and never turn your back to the ocean. Monitor local weather, wave and tide forecasts.”
Strong currents are a potential risk in both California and North Carolina.
“Life-threatening waves,” the warning said.
“If caught in a rip current, stay calm. Swim in the direction corresponding to the shoreline. If exhausted, swim or walk on water until you get out of the rip current. If unable to escape, face toward shore and call or wave for help.”
Maine grapples with cold, dangerous temperatures
While the summer season has arrived, parts of Maine are battling harsh, rough water conditions, including low temperatures.
“Hot air temperatures in the 70s to 80s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of cold water temperatures, which are currently between 50 and 55 degrees,” the warning says.
“The cold water temperatures can cause instant hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. Anyone on boats or paddlecraft should take extreme precautions to avoid this danger.”
Millions of people visit American beaches every summer, but during this week, residents of California, North Carolina and Maine have been warned to check weather and forecast alerts to make sure conditions are safe at the beaches they visit.
