Brian's Beach, Boating and Boarding Forecast: Oct. 17-19

Posted: Oct 16, 2025 / 05:45 PM EDT

Updated: Oct 16, 2025 / 09:12 PM EDT

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Our days on the beach are winding down as we get later and later into the fall season. However, that won’t stop surfers and boaters from hitting the water this weekend.

Unlike last weekend, when a powerful coastal storm ripped through Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks, the sunshine will be back out this weekend and temperatures will warm up a little.

High pressure will be overhead Friday through Sunday, allowing for bright sunshine and highs back in the 70s for the weekend. We will be watching for a cold front to move into the region, but rain from it will not arrive until the late night hours of Sunday into Monday.

For those looking to head out on the water and enjoy some boating, stay up to date with the National Weather Service, as small craft advisories will likely be in effect through the weekend due to rough surf. The best opportunity will likely be in the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday as waves will be around 1 feet with light winds.

As for surfing, we will have another swell on our hands this weekend, and this time the winds look to cooperate much more than last weekend. First, we have to make it through Friday, which will feature one more day of strong northeasterly winds of 10-15 mph. There could be some gusts as high as 25 mph along the Outer Banks, making for choppy and rough surf.

The windows to target will Saturday and Sunday, as this weekends swell will be at its peak and winds will be turning offshore and calming down for some areas. On Saturday, winds will generally be light out of the northwest at 5-10 mph. This will favor parts of Virginia Beach and the southern Outer Banks.

On Sunday, winds pick up a touch and turn southwest ahead of Sunday night’s cold front. The area to target will be Virginia Beach and areas north of the Oregon Inlet, especially during the morning.

If you plan on heading out for a session this weekend, be aware that water temperatures are now in the upper 60s to around 70 degrees. A 3/2 wetsuit will make for a comfortable session.