As Tropical Depression Three (TD Three) approaches, coastal areas, including Savannah and Tybee Island, are facing hazardous rip currents and stormy weather this weekend. A First Alert Weather Day has been issued for Saturday due to the high risk of rip currents, and TD Three may strengthen into Tropical Storm Chantal as it makes landfall in Charleston, impacting the Lowcountry through the weekend.
Rip Currents and Beach Safety
Tybee Island Lifeguards have already raised double red flags for the Fourth of July, warning swimmers of the dangerous conditions. With gusty winds and building swell energy, the risk for rip currents will be high on Saturday. Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water to avoid potentially life-threatening conditions. Friday sees a moderate risk for rip currents, which will increase to high on Saturday as the storm system moves closer.
Weather Outlook for the Weekend
Friday Evening: Expect mostly dry conditions for the Fourth of July, with stable air and high pressure moving in. The Riverfront Fireworks show is expected to go ahead as planned, with isolated rain mainly occurring inland before sunset.
Saturday: Showers and isolated storms will start the day, especially along the coast. By lunchtime, the rain will move inland with brief, quick-moving downpours. Wind gusts will be strongest near the beaches, possibly reaching 35 mph, while inland areas can expect gusts around 25 mph. Afternoon temperatures will reach the mid-80s along the coast and I-95 corridor, while areas west of Highway 301 and US 1 could see temperatures near 90°F. Rain and storms will pick up again in the late afternoon and evening.
Sunday: The low-pressure system will move towards North Carolina, but expect mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers throughout the day. Highs will be in the mid to upper 80s.
Extended Forecast
Monday: A high of 94°F with a 40% chance of afternoon rainstorms.
Tuesday: A high of 96°F with a 20% chance of afternoon rainstorms. A heat advisory may be issued as heat indices could reach 108°F or higher.
Wednesday: A high of 96°F with a 30% chance of afternoon rainstorms.
Thursday: A high of 94°F with a 50% chance of afternoon rainstorms.
Marine Conditions
Friday Afternoon: East winds at 10-15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt and seas at 3-4 feet.
Friday Night: East winds at 15-20 kt, seas at 3-4 feet, and a chance of thunderstorms after midnight.
Saturday: East winds at 15-20 kt with gusts to 25 kt, seas building to 5-6 feet in the afternoon, along with showers and thunderstorms.
Sunday: East winds at 10-15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt, seas at 4-5 feet, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.
As Tropical Depression Three moves closer to the coast, dangerous rip currents, gusty winds, and periodic rainstorms are expected through the weekend. A First Alert Weather Day has been issued for Saturday due to the high risk of rip currents. It’s important to stay safe by avoiding the water and keeping an eye on the changing weather conditions throughout the holiday weekend. Be prepared for hot temperatures and scattered storms next week, with the potential for a heat advisory by Tuesday.
