Beaufort, SC 29902 Weather

What Has Changed

Former Key Message 2 has been removed as the High Rip Current Risk has expired, and the aviation section has been updated.

Key Messages

- 1) Below normal temperatures this week as high pressure prevails and a powerful nor'easter meanders off the Mid- Atlantic coast.

- 2) The highest astronomical tides of 2026, combined with near gale force northeast winds, will bring a multi-day coastal flooding threat to SE GA and SC Lowcountry this weekend, with elevated water levels lingering through most of next week.

Discussion

KEY MESSAGE 1: Below normal temperatures this week as high pressure prevails and a powerful nor'easter meanders off the Mid-Atlantic coast.

Surface dewpoints have mixed to around 40 degrees across the forecast area this afternoon. The clear and dry conditions will remain across the forecast area through early this evening. During the mid to late evening, thin mid and high clouds sourced from over the southern Appalachians will drift over the SC Lowcountry later this evening through the overnight hours. The sky across SE GA should remain mostly clear. Given thin cloud cover, light winds, and dry conditions, low temperatures should favor the cooler MOS solutions. Min temperatures are forecast to range from the mid 40s inland to the 50s across the beaches.

Wednesday through Thursday: A nor'easter will be positioned well off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic states Wednesday morning. It will slowly meander slightly further away from the Mid-Atlantic states into Thursday evening. Across the southeastern states high pressure will hold strong both days, centered over the Great Lakes. The prevailing high pressure will yield dry and sunny conditions over the local forecast area with high temperatures in the 70s. Overnight both Wednesday and Thursday nights winds are forecast to go light to calm, resulting in prime radiational cooling conditions. Lows both nights will be several degrees below normal, with lows bottoming out in the mid 40s inland and low 50s along the beaches.

Friday through Monday: With the nor'easter drifting further away from the Mid-Atlantic states, high pressure will begin to build in stronger over the Mid-Atlantic states. Along with the building high pressure, a coastal trough is forecast to develop along the Southeastern coastline. This will yield gusty NE winds across the forecast area, especially along the coast. The advection of cooler air resulting from the NE flow will keep temperatures below normal through the weekend and into early next week.

KEY MESSAGE 2: The highest astronomical tides of 2026, combined with near gale force northeast winds, will bring a multi-day coastal flooding threat to SE GA and SC Lowcountry this weekend, with elevated water levels lingering through most of next week.

Tidal departures will begin to increase as northeast winds strengthen along the coast on Saturday. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible for Charleston and coastal Colleton counties Saturday evening. Winds are forecast to strengthen to near gale force on Sunday. Moderate to major coastal flooding is possible for Charleston and Colleton counties, with moderate coastal flooding possible along the southern SC and GA coastlines.

Aviation

No aviation concerns as northerly winds weaken tonight, with 5 to 10 knot north-northeasterly winds expected for Wednesday.

Extended Aviation Outlook: Gusty NE winds upwards of 25 knots are forecast on Saturday.