Surf's up, beach lovers! We're tracking some seriously dynamic coastal conditions along the Carolinas this Friday. If you're hitting the waves, listen up - today's looking like a mixed bag of maritime moods.

Rip current risk is moderate from Pender County down to Brunswick, so swim smart and stay alert. Our surf's running a consistent 1 to 3 feet with southwest winds churning at 10 to 15 miles per hour. Water temps are hovering in the lower to mid 60s - wetsuit weather for sure.

Expect partly sunny skies with scattered shower action and a slight thunderstorm potential. UV index is cranking high, so sunscreen is non-negotiable. Ocean temperatures suggest a refreshing but chilly paddle - consider yourself warned, cold water warriors.

Tide schedules are looking predictable with morning highs around 7:15 to 7:30 AM and afternoon lows near 1:30 PM. A moderate south to north longshore current will be in play, which means some interesting drift for surfers and swimmers.

Weekend outlook? Things calm down considerably. Saturday brings mostly sunny conditions with lower rip current risks and gentler 1 to 2 foot swells. Winds will shift northwest and temperatures drop slightly into the lower 60s.

Extended forecast shows improving conditions through Sunday and Monday - expect sunny skies, minimal wave action, and temperatures climbing into the mid-70s. Tuesday might bring a slight chance of showers with southwest winds picking up.

Bottom line: Stay safe, watch those currents, and enjoy the coastal playground! Catch you on the waves.