# Surf Zone Forecast Report - Thursday April 23, 2026

Good afternoon, I'm bringing you the latest surf conditions across Florida's panhandle beaches, and we've got some important safety information to share as we head into the evening.

A six-second southeasterly swell is making waves along the coast, and it's creating some serious rip current activity that everyone needs to know about. At St. George Island, we're looking at a high risk of dangerous rip currents both today and tomorrow, so swimmers and surfers should exercise extreme caution in those waters.

Speaking of which, beach officials are flying red flags at Bay and Franklin beaches right now, indicating hazardous conditions. Yellow flags are up everywhere else, so life-threatening rip currents are possible in most surf zones today.

Let's break down what you can expect in specific areas. Down in South Walton, including Santa Rosa Beach and Sandestin, we're looking at moderate rip current risk with surf heights around two feet. It's going to be sunny and beautiful with highs in the mid-seventies and southeast winds around ten miles per hour. Water temperature is a pleasant seventy-two degrees, so it's a great day to get in the water if you know what you're doing and respect those rips.

Over at Panama City Beach and the coastal bay areas, conditions are similar with moderate rip current risk and around one to two foot surf. It'll be sunny today with highs in the upper seventies and southeast winds picking up to around fifteen miles per hour.

Now here's where things get more serious. Down at the Coastal Gulf beaches near St. Joe and Apalachicola, we're dealing with high rip current risk that will persist through Friday. This is your heads-up to stay out of the water or at minimum, stay very close to shore and use the buddy system. Apalachicola especially is under a high rip current risk alert that extends through this evening.

Friday is looking sunny and warm across the board with highs in the mid to upper seventies, but those rip currents will remain a concern, particularly down in Franklin County where the high risk continues. Surf heights will hold steady around two feet.

Looking ahead to the weekend, we're expecting mostly sunny skies Saturday and Sunday with a chance of showers and thunderstorms moving in. Highs stay in the mid-seventies with lighter winds. Rip current risk will ease back to moderate levels by then.

The bottom line: respect the rip currents today and tomorrow, especially if you're heading to Franklin or St. George Island beaches. Watch for red and yellow flags, never swim alone, and if you get caught in a rip, remember to swim parallel to shore rather than fighting it directly. Have a safe and beautiful day at the beach.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.