Brian’s Beach, Boating, and Boarding Forecast: Aug 1-3

Posted: Jul 31, 2025 / 06:20 PM EDT

Updated: Jul 31, 2025 / 06:20 PM EDT

IT’S ABOUT TIME! After several weeks of hot weather and small surf we will flip the script this weekend and even for the upcoming work week. A stalling cold front will move offshore during the day on Friday allowing for southeast Virginia and North Carolina will tap into some cooler and drier air this weekend. However, low pressure will form offshore along the stalling front which will cause a strong northeast wind.

This strong wind will give the air a bit of a chill so if you plan on heading to the beach be sure to pack an extra layer and dig that umbrella deep into the sand to ensure it doesn’t blow away. It will also be a weekend to pay attention to lifeguards as strong onshore winds will lead to a potentially high rip current risk and large seas.

The swell will begin to fill in on Friday as north winds start to pick up. It may not be the nicest beach day due to the cloud cover and chance for a few scattered showers but if you are looking for a safer swim, Friday will likely have the least amount of trouble.

Saturday and Sunday is when conditions become a bit dangerous for swimming as breaking waves will be in the 2-6 foot range and with winds out of the northeast the current will be pulling strong towards the south for many areas.

For the boaters, this will likely be a weekend you spend on land as conditions will be very rough. The open waters of the Chesapeake Bay are expected to be in the 2-5 foot range through Sunday.

For the open ocean these wave heights will be almost double especially on Saturday. As a result, small craft advisories are posted through Saturday and it is likely they will continue to be up on Sunday.

For the surfers, it’ll be important to know your limits as the swell fills in. Beginners may have a tough time Saturday and Sunday due to the messy conditions so if you fall into that category, try Friday for more manageable conditions. Saturday and Sunday will be days to target if you are an experienced surfer with waves in the 3-5 foot range. The Outer Banks will likely be a bit bigger on Saturday with sets up to 6 foot.

Unfortunately, this swell comes with a downside which is the wind speed and direction. From Friday afternoon and through Sunday, winds will be out of the northeast at 15-25mph making for choppy conditions all three days this weekend.