Marine Weather and Tide Forecast for Bluffton, SC
May 19, 2024 1:31 PM EDT (17:31 UTC) Change Location
 | Sunrise 6:20 AM Sunset 8:18 PM Moonrise 3:52 PM Moonset 3:03 AM |
AMZ352 Waters From Edisto Beach Sc To Savannah Ga Out 20 Nm- 1058 Am Edt Sun May 19 2024
Rest of today - NW winds 10 kt, becoming ne 10 to 15 kt with gusts to 20 kt late. Seas 2 ft. Wave detail: sw 2 ft at 4 seconds and se 1 foot at 8 seconds. A chance of showers and tstms early this afternoon. Showers and tstms late. Some tstms may produce heavy rainfall late.
Tonight - NE winds 10 to 15 kt, increasing to 15 to 20 kt after midnight. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: ne 3 ft at 5 seconds and S 2 ft at 5 seconds. Showers and tstms, mainly in the evening. Some tstms may produce heavy rainfall in the evening.
Mon - NE winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave detail: ne 4 ft at 5 seconds and S 1 foot at 5 seconds.
Mon night - NE winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave detail: E 4 ft at 7 seconds.
Tue - NE winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave detail: E 4 ft at 7 seconds.
Tue night - E winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: E 3 ft at 7 seconds.
Wed - E winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
Wed night - S winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
Thu - SW winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
Thu night - S winds 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
winds and seas higher in and near tstms.
winds and seas higher in and near tstms.
AMZ300 1058 Am Edt Sun May 19 2024
Synopsis for the coastal waters of south coastal south carolina and north coastal georgia - A cold front will cross through our area later today. High pressure then prevails for most of this week, followed by another storm system potentially impacting our area late this week.
Area Discussion for - Charleston, SC
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FXUS62 KCHS 191523 AFDCHS
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 1123 AM EDT Sun May 19 2024
SYNOPSIS
A cold front will cross through our area later today. High pressure then prevails for most of this week, followed by another storm system potentially impacting our area late this week.
NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/
As 1120 AM, satellite water vapor indicated the center of a mid- level vorticity maximum over north-central GA, tracking to the SE. Visible satellite and sfc observations indicated a cold front was located from the CHS Harbor west to Allendale Co., pushing south. Over the past hour, cumulus along the front has developed, remaining fairly shallow. However, SPC mesoanalysis indicated that normalized CAPE has reached at least 0.1 across most for the forecast area. As temperatures warm into the upper 70s over dewpoints in the upper 60s to low 70s, CIN should dissolve. The afternoon should feature generally SBCAPE around 2000 J/kg, especially south of the front. Interestingly, the RAP shows the deep moisture convergence will develop across coastal SC and SE GA this afternoon, with 6 to 8 units. This environment combined with the passage of the H5 vort max should support numerous to widespread thunderstorms across portions of the CWA this afternoon, especially the lower Savannah River Basin.
Thunderstorm impacts, PW values are forecast to increase to around 1.6 inches this afternoon. The combination of deep instability, adequate atmospheric moisture, and storm motions less than 25 MPH could result in pockets of torrential downpours. In fact, arriving 12z HRRR data continues to indicate impressive probabilities of 3"/3hr within 40 km across portions of coastal SC and GA, especially a corridor from southern Charleston County south to coastal GA. Flood Advisories appear possible for these area this afternoon, possibly a Flash Flood Warning. In addition, CAPE in excess of 2000 J/kg, DCAPE between 600-800 J/kg, and effective bulk shear around 30 kts may support strong to severe thunderstorms over the lower Savannah River Basin, including the City of Savannah this afternoon. These storms may produce damaging wind gusts and even hail up to the size of quarters.
Tonight: Short-wave trough axis will slowly push off the coast while surface high pressure wedges down from the north.
Convection will run its course this evening with thinning cloud cover during the overnight hours
Cooler temperatures
dipping down through the 60s for lows.
SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/
Monday: The mid-levels will consist of a positively tilted trough just off the Southeast U.S. coast in the morning, and a ridge just to our west. The ridge will slowly build into our area as time progresses. At the surface, High pressure centered well to our north will build down the coast as time progresses, with it's southern periphery making its way into our area. The High will bring dry conditions with skies becoming mostly sunny/clear. Low-level thickness values support temperatures in the middle 80s. But we went a little below this due to the northeasterly surface winds and the expectation that surface evaporation should limit temperatures.
Highs should peak in the lower 80s. Lows should range from the upper 50s far inland to the mid 60s closer to the coast.
Tuesday: A positively tilted mid-level trough will be just off the Southeast U.S. coast in the morning, transitioning into a cut- off Low in the evening and overnight. Meanwhile, a ridge will strengthen over the Southeast U.S. Broad High pressure centered to our north in the morning will shift off the Mid-Atlantic Coast as the day progresses. Though, it's southern periphery will continue to dominate our weather during the day and into the night. Subsidence will yield dry conditions with mostly sunny/clear skies. High temperatures should be in the mid 80s, except cooler at the beaches.
Lows should range from the upper 50s far inland to the mid 60s closer to the coast.
Wednesday: The mid-levels will consist of a cut-off Low meandering off the Southeast coast, while a ridge prevails over the Southeast U.S. At the surface, High pressure along the Southeast coast in the morning will shift offshore into the afternoon. A front will slowly approach from the north and northwest. Though, it won't make it near our area as the High will remain the dominant synoptic feature. Some of the models hint at isolated weak showers trying to form along the inland moving sea breeze late in the afternoon. But it's still a little too early to determine if the dry air in place will completely squash these weak showers. Expect at least partly sunny skies. Highs will peak in the mid to upper 80s, except cooler at the beaches.
LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/
Mid-level ridging will be over our region Wednesday night, followed by west southwest flow on Thursday. A weak trough may pass to our north Friday night into Saturday. Surface High pressure in the western Atlantic on Thursday will shift further offshore as time progresses. A cold front could approach from the north and northwest later Friday, then lift north on Saturday. Expect mainly dry conditions Thursday, with increasing diurnal convection Friday and Saturday. High temperatures will be a few degrees above normal each day.
AVIATION /15Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/
Largely VFR conditions will persist for the next few hours although with an increased risk for MVFR cigs developing as we get into the daytime heating cycle. With heating, the risk for showers/tstms will increase by early afternoon with the best focus for showers/tstms still looking to occur just south of KCHS and impacting KJZI and especially KSAV. A TEMPO for TSRA was included from 18-21z at KJZI to account for some coverage/timing uncertainties. Prevailing TSRA remains for KSAV (20-00z).
Conditions were limited to MVFR for now with both cigs/vsbys holding above alternate minimums. However, lower conditions may eventually be needed as confidence in the timing, placement and intensity of showers/tstms increases.
Convection diminishes this evening with some clearing taking shape. Some low stratus is possible, particularly at KSAV where the best coverage of rainfall is anticipated today.
Extended Aviation Outlook: VFR.
MARINE
A brief period of gustier southerly winds will impact the coastal waters early this morning. Surface boundary will move down through the region as we go through the day and kick off another round of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.
Winds veer northerly behind the front and will be increasing as we go through tonight.
Monday: A cold front will be shifting offshore early in the morning. Meanwhile, High pressure centered well to our north will build down the coast and into our area as time progresses. The strongest gradient will occur in the morning, with wind gusts just short of 25 kt possible across much of the waters, and seas 3-5 ft.
The gradient will gradually weaken into the afternoon and overnight, with seas gradually subsiding as well.
Tuesday and Beyond: NE winds on Tuesday will shift around to the SE by later Wednesday as High pressure gradually shifts off our coast.
This will lead to a more typical summer wind pattern on Thursday with the formation of the afternoon sea breeze.
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING
The combination of rising astronomical tides with the upcoming Full Moon and moderate NE winds will cause tides to be elevated early this week. Minor flooding is possible with the evening high tides Monday and Tuesday, mainly along the South Carolina coast.
CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
GA...None.
SC...None.
MARINE...None.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 1123 AM EDT Sun May 19 2024
SYNOPSIS
A cold front will cross through our area later today. High pressure then prevails for most of this week, followed by another storm system potentially impacting our area late this week.
NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/
As 1120 AM, satellite water vapor indicated the center of a mid- level vorticity maximum over north-central GA, tracking to the SE. Visible satellite and sfc observations indicated a cold front was located from the CHS Harbor west to Allendale Co., pushing south. Over the past hour, cumulus along the front has developed, remaining fairly shallow. However, SPC mesoanalysis indicated that normalized CAPE has reached at least 0.1 across most for the forecast area. As temperatures warm into the upper 70s over dewpoints in the upper 60s to low 70s, CIN should dissolve. The afternoon should feature generally SBCAPE around 2000 J/kg, especially south of the front. Interestingly, the RAP shows the deep moisture convergence will develop across coastal SC and SE GA this afternoon, with 6 to 8 units. This environment combined with the passage of the H5 vort max should support numerous to widespread thunderstorms across portions of the CWA this afternoon, especially the lower Savannah River Basin.
Thunderstorm impacts, PW values are forecast to increase to around 1.6 inches this afternoon. The combination of deep instability, adequate atmospheric moisture, and storm motions less than 25 MPH could result in pockets of torrential downpours. In fact, arriving 12z HRRR data continues to indicate impressive probabilities of 3"/3hr within 40 km across portions of coastal SC and GA, especially a corridor from southern Charleston County south to coastal GA. Flood Advisories appear possible for these area this afternoon, possibly a Flash Flood Warning. In addition, CAPE in excess of 2000 J/kg, DCAPE between 600-800 J/kg, and effective bulk shear around 30 kts may support strong to severe thunderstorms over the lower Savannah River Basin, including the City of Savannah this afternoon. These storms may produce damaging wind gusts and even hail up to the size of quarters.
Tonight: Short-wave trough axis will slowly push off the coast while surface high pressure wedges down from the north.
Convection will run its course this evening with thinning cloud cover during the overnight hours
Cooler temperatures
dipping down through the 60s for lows.
SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/
Monday: The mid-levels will consist of a positively tilted trough just off the Southeast U.S. coast in the morning, and a ridge just to our west. The ridge will slowly build into our area as time progresses. At the surface, High pressure centered well to our north will build down the coast as time progresses, with it's southern periphery making its way into our area. The High will bring dry conditions with skies becoming mostly sunny/clear. Low-level thickness values support temperatures in the middle 80s. But we went a little below this due to the northeasterly surface winds and the expectation that surface evaporation should limit temperatures.
Highs should peak in the lower 80s. Lows should range from the upper 50s far inland to the mid 60s closer to the coast.
Tuesday: A positively tilted mid-level trough will be just off the Southeast U.S. coast in the morning, transitioning into a cut- off Low in the evening and overnight. Meanwhile, a ridge will strengthen over the Southeast U.S. Broad High pressure centered to our north in the morning will shift off the Mid-Atlantic Coast as the day progresses. Though, it's southern periphery will continue to dominate our weather during the day and into the night. Subsidence will yield dry conditions with mostly sunny/clear skies. High temperatures should be in the mid 80s, except cooler at the beaches.
Lows should range from the upper 50s far inland to the mid 60s closer to the coast.
Wednesday: The mid-levels will consist of a cut-off Low meandering off the Southeast coast, while a ridge prevails over the Southeast U.S. At the surface, High pressure along the Southeast coast in the morning will shift offshore into the afternoon. A front will slowly approach from the north and northwest. Though, it won't make it near our area as the High will remain the dominant synoptic feature. Some of the models hint at isolated weak showers trying to form along the inland moving sea breeze late in the afternoon. But it's still a little too early to determine if the dry air in place will completely squash these weak showers. Expect at least partly sunny skies. Highs will peak in the mid to upper 80s, except cooler at the beaches.
LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/
Mid-level ridging will be over our region Wednesday night, followed by west southwest flow on Thursday. A weak trough may pass to our north Friday night into Saturday. Surface High pressure in the western Atlantic on Thursday will shift further offshore as time progresses. A cold front could approach from the north and northwest later Friday, then lift north on Saturday. Expect mainly dry conditions Thursday, with increasing diurnal convection Friday and Saturday. High temperatures will be a few degrees above normal each day.
AVIATION /15Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/
Largely VFR conditions will persist for the next few hours although with an increased risk for MVFR cigs developing as we get into the daytime heating cycle. With heating, the risk for showers/tstms will increase by early afternoon with the best focus for showers/tstms still looking to occur just south of KCHS and impacting KJZI and especially KSAV. A TEMPO for TSRA was included from 18-21z at KJZI to account for some coverage/timing uncertainties. Prevailing TSRA remains for KSAV (20-00z).
Conditions were limited to MVFR for now with both cigs/vsbys holding above alternate minimums. However, lower conditions may eventually be needed as confidence in the timing, placement and intensity of showers/tstms increases.
Convection diminishes this evening with some clearing taking shape. Some low stratus is possible, particularly at KSAV where the best coverage of rainfall is anticipated today.
Extended Aviation Outlook: VFR.
MARINE
A brief period of gustier southerly winds will impact the coastal waters early this morning. Surface boundary will move down through the region as we go through the day and kick off another round of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.
Winds veer northerly behind the front and will be increasing as we go through tonight.
Monday: A cold front will be shifting offshore early in the morning. Meanwhile, High pressure centered well to our north will build down the coast and into our area as time progresses. The strongest gradient will occur in the morning, with wind gusts just short of 25 kt possible across much of the waters, and seas 3-5 ft.
The gradient will gradually weaken into the afternoon and overnight, with seas gradually subsiding as well.
Tuesday and Beyond: NE winds on Tuesday will shift around to the SE by later Wednesday as High pressure gradually shifts off our coast.
This will lead to a more typical summer wind pattern on Thursday with the formation of the afternoon sea breeze.
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING
The combination of rising astronomical tides with the upcoming Full Moon and moderate NE winds will cause tides to be elevated early this week. Minor flooding is possible with the evening high tides Monday and Tuesday, mainly along the South Carolina coast.
CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
GA...None.
SC...None.
MARINE...None.
| Stations | Dist | Age | Wind | Air Temp | Water Temp | Waves | inHg | DewPt |
| FPKG1 - 8670870 - Fort Pulaski, GA | 14 mi | 44 min | WNW 5.1G | 84°F | 75°F | 29.88 | ||
| 41033 | 24 mi | 84 min | W 3.9G | 77°F | 76°F | 29.88 | 72°F | |
| 41067 | 24 mi | 47 min | 77°F | 1 ft | ||||
| ACXS1 - ACE Basin Reserve, SC | 31 mi | 107 min | 0 | 80°F | 29.89 | 70°F |
toggle option: (graph/table)
| Airport | Dist | Age | Wind kt | Vis | Sky | Weather | Temp | DewPt | RH | inHg |
| KHXD HILTON HEAD,SC | 9 sm | 41 min | calm | 10 sm | Mostly Cloudy | 82°F | 68°F | 62% | 29.88 | |
| KARW BEAUFORT COUNTY,SC | 17 sm | 16 min | NE 06 | 7 sm | Mostly Cloudy | Thunderstorm in Vicinity | 81°F | 63°F | 54% | 29.86 |
| KNBC BEAUFORT MCAS /MERRITT FIELD/,SC | 19 sm | 11 min | NNW 26G39 | 3/4 sm | Overcast | Thunderstorm Hvy Rain | 70°F | 64°F | 83% | 29.87 |
| KSAV SAVANNAH/HILTON HEAD INTL,GA | 19 sm | 38 min | W 03 | 10 sm | Mostly Cloudy | 82°F | 66°F | 58% | 29.86 |
Bluffton
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:35 AM EDT 1.08 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 04:03 AM EDT Moonset
Sun -- 06:22 AM EDT Sunrise
Sun -- 06:45 AM EDT 7.23 feet High Tide
Sun -- 12:40 PM EDT 0.76 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 04:51 PM EDT Moonrise
Sun -- 07:23 PM EDT 8.04 feet High Tide
Sun -- 08:17 PM EDT Sunset
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:35 AM EDT 1.08 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 04:03 AM EDT Moonset
Sun -- 06:22 AM EDT Sunrise
Sun -- 06:45 AM EDT 7.23 feet High Tide
Sun -- 12:40 PM EDT 0.76 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 04:51 PM EDT Moonrise
Sun -- 07:23 PM EDT 8.04 feet High Tide
Sun -- 08:17 PM EDT Sunset
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Bluffton, South Carolina (2), Tide feet
| 12 am |
| 1.3 |
| 1 am |
| 1.2 |
| 2 am |
| 1.9 |
| 3 am |
| 3.2 |
| 4 am |
| 4.7 |
| 5 am |
| 6.1 |
| 6 am |
| 7 |
| 7 am |
| 7.2 |
| 8 am |
| 6.5 |
| 9 am |
| 5.2 |
| 10 am |
| 3.6 |
| 11 am |
| 2.1 |
| 12 pm |
| 1 |
| 1 pm |
| 0.8 |
| 2 pm |
| 1.5 |
| 3 pm |
| 2.8 |
| 4 pm |
| 4.4 |
| 5 pm |
| 6 |
| 6 pm |
| 7.3 |
| 7 pm |
| 8 |
| 8 pm |
| 7.9 |
| 9 pm |
| 6.9 |
| 10 pm |
| 5.4 |
| 11 pm |
| 3.6 |
Savannah River Entrance
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:54 AM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 03:22 AM EDT 1.64 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 04:03 AM EDT Moonset
Sun -- 06:23 AM EDT Sunrise
Sun -- 06:48 AM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 09:58 AM EDT -1.48 knots Max Ebb
Sun -- 12:51 PM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 03:33 PM EDT 1.87 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 04:51 PM EDT Moonrise
Sun -- 07:17 PM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 08:16 PM EDT Sunset
Sun -- 10:58 PM EDT -1.86 knots Max Ebb
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:54 AM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 03:22 AM EDT 1.64 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 04:03 AM EDT Moonset
Sun -- 06:23 AM EDT Sunrise
Sun -- 06:48 AM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 09:58 AM EDT -1.48 knots Max Ebb
Sun -- 12:51 PM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 03:33 PM EDT 1.87 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 04:51 PM EDT Moonrise
Sun -- 07:17 PM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 08:16 PM EDT Sunset
Sun -- 10:58 PM EDT -1.86 knots Max Ebb
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Savannah River Entrance, Georgia Current, knots
| 12 am |
| -1 |
| 1 am |
| 0.1 |
| 2 am |
| 1.1 |
| 3 am |
| 1.6 |
| 4 am |
| 1.6 |
| 5 am |
| 1.2 |
| 6 am |
| 0.7 |
| 7 am |
| -0.2 |
| 8 am |
| -1 |
| 9 am |
| -1.4 |
| 10 am |
| -1.5 |
| 11 am |
| -1.4 |
| 12 pm |
| -0.8 |
| 1 pm |
| 0.2 |
| 2 pm |
| 1.2 |
| 3 pm |
| 1.8 |
| 4 pm |
| 1.8 |
| 5 pm |
| 1.5 |
| 6 pm |
| 1 |
| 7 pm |
| 0.3 |
| 8 pm |
| -0.7 |
| 9 pm |
| -1.4 |
| 10 pm |
| -1.7 |
| 11 pm |
| -1.9 |
Charleston, SC,
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