Good morning, this is your surf zone forecast for the North Carolina coast issued at 324 AM Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026.

Let's start up north where conditions are looking pretty mellow. The Northern Outer Banks from Duck down through Nags Head will see small one to two foot waves today under sunny skies with highs in the mid seventies. Rip current risk stays low, though remember that life-threatening currents can still form near groins, jetties and piers. Water temperatures are hovering in the mid fifties, so if you're thinking about a quick dip, you might want to ease in slowly. South winds at ten to fifteen miles per hour will keep things pleasant, and the UV index is running high, so break out that sunscreen.

Moving down the coast to Hatteras Island, today looks similar with mostly sunny skies and one to two foot surf on both the north and south sides of Cape Hatteras. Again, low rip current risk across the board and highs in the mid seventies. Water temperatures are slightly warmer in the upper fifties here.

Wednesday's when things get interesting. North of Cape Hatteras, rip current risk remains low, but south of the cape we're bumping up to moderate risk. Surf heights increase to two to three feet, and that slight chance of showers moves in along with partly sunny conditions.

Ocracoke Island is also expecting a moderate rip current risk on Wednesday with two to three foot surf. Today though, it's quiet with low risk and one to two foot waves. Water temperatures here are actually the warmest we're seeing at a comfortable mid sixties.

Head down to East Carteret and Cape Lookout National Seashore, and you'll notice the most significant change on Wednesday. The Core Banks could see two to five foot surf, while Shackleford Banks looks at three to four footers. Rip current risk jumps to moderate for both areas. Today remains calm with one to two foot conditions and low risk.

West Carteret beaches including Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach, and Emerald Isle will see moderate rip current risk develop on Wednesday with two to three foot surf. Today's forecast keeps it small at one to two feet with low rip current risk. Mid sixties water temperatures and mostly sunny skies make for a nice beach day.

Finally, Coastal Onslow around Hammocks Beach and North Topsail Beach stays mellow on both days. Rip current risk remains low through Wednesday, with one to two foot surf both days. Water temperatures are in the upper sixties, the warmest stretch of beach we're forecasting, and mostly sunny conditions prevail.

That's your Tuesday and Wednesday surf outlook for the North Carolina coast. Be safe out there and check local conditions before heading out.

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