Surf's up, beach lovers! We're looking at a stunning day along the North Carolina coastline with plenty of sunshine and some interesting wave action brewing.

Today, most beaches are sitting under a moderate rip current risk from 8 AM, so swimmers need to stay alert. The Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island are seeing calm 1 to 2 foot swells with crystal clear skies and temperatures climbing into the mid 70s. South winds will start gentle around 5 mph but kick up to 15 mph by afternoon.

Water temperatures are hovering in the low to mid 60s - still a bit chilly but totally manageable for adventurous surfers and ocean enthusiasts. The UV index is blasting into very high territory, so sunscreen is absolutely non-negotiable today.

Wednesday promises more excitement with increasing wave heights. Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are expecting 2 to 4 foot surf, and the rip current risk is ramping up. Southwest winds will be whipping around 15 to 20 mph, creating some potentially challenging conditions for water sports.

Thunderstorm potential is low today but increases slightly on Wednesday, with a slight chance of scattered showers. Core Banks and Ocracoke are looking at the most dramatic changes, moving from moderate to high rip current risk.

Beach-goers should stay informed, watch for local warnings, and always respect the ocean's power. Whether you're surfing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun, stay safe and enjoy these gorgeous coastal conditions!