textproduct: Charleston

WHAT HAS CHANGED

All sections have been updated.

KEY MESSAGES

- 1) Dry conditions and warming temperatures late this week into next week.

- 2) There is a High Risk of rip currents at all area beaches today and the Georgia beaches on Friday.

DISCUSSION

KEY MESSAGE 1: Dry conditions and warming temperatures late this week into next week.

Quiet and dry weather is expected for the next several days as high pressure settles overhead and then eventually shifts offshore. Aloft, a strong mid level ridge (NAEFS indicating 500mb heights exceeding 99th percentile) will build across the Southeast. Unfortunately, this pattern means no relief to the severe and extreme drought conditions across southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia as the 7-day rainfall forecast is expected to be 0. Otherwise, warming temperatures are expected. By the weekend and for early next week, highs should peak a solid 5-10 degrees above early/mid April normals with some 90s back in the forecast towards the middle of next week.

KEY MESSAGE 2: There is a High Risk of rip currents at all area beaches today and the Georgia beaches on Friday.

Gusty northeast winds and elevated seas will continue to support a High Risk of rip currents at all beaches today. Looking to Friday, winds and seas start to settle. However, conditions will still support a High Risk at Georgia beaches, with a Moderate Risk along the South Carolina beaches.

AVIATION /18Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/

VFR conditions will prevail at KCHS, KJZI, and KSAV through 18z Friday. Northeast winds could gust to around 20 knots at times this afternoon, turning a bit more easterly with time. Gusts will subside around or just after sunset.

Extended Aviation Outlook: VFR.

MARINE

Through Tonight: Marine conditions will improve through tonight, however winds and seas will maintain Small Craft Advisories across all waters outside of the Charleston Harbor. Winds 20-30 kt today will settle into the 15-20 kt range overnight. Similarly, seas will subside, ending around 5-8 ft by sunrise Friday.

Friday through Tuesday: The pressure gradient will continue to relax as high pressure settles overhead on Friday. The Small Craft Advisories are scheduled to come down Friday afternoon, with the exception of the outer Georgia waters which will persist into Saturday due to lingering 6 ft seas. No additional marine concerns for the latter half of the weekend and early next week. High pressure will shift offshore allowing easterly winds to eventually veer more to the south. Speeds will average 15 kt or less with seas 2-5 feet.

CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

GA...High Risk for Rip Currents through Friday evening for GAZ117-119- 139-141. SC...High Risk for Rip Currents until 8 PM EDT this evening for SCZ048>051. MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 2 PM EDT Friday for AMZ350-352. Small Craft Advisory until 5 PM EDT Friday for AMZ354. Small Craft Advisory until 2 PM EDT Saturday for AMZ374.