Marine Weather and Tide Forecast for Kiawah Island, SC
May 19, 2024 6:28 AM EDT (10:28 UTC) Change Location
 | Sunrise 6:16 AM Sunset 8:16 PM Moonrise 3:49 PM Moonset 3:00 AM |
AMZ330 Charleston Harbor- 323 Am Edt Sun May 19 2024
Today - SW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts to 20 kt, becoming nw 5 kt this morning, then becoming ne this afternoon. A chance of showers with a slight chance of tstms early this morning. Showers and tstms this afternoon.
Tonight - NE winds 5 to 10 kt. A chance of showers and tstms in the evening.
Mon - NE winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts to 20 kt.
Mon night - NE winds 10 kt.
Tue - NE winds 10 kt, increasing to 15 kt with gusts to 20 kt in the afternoon.
Tue night - E winds 5 to 10 kt.
Wed - E winds 5 to 10 kt.
Wed night - S winds 5 to 10 kt.
Thu - SW winds 5 to 10 kt.
Thu night - S winds 5 to 10 kt.
winds and waves higher in and near tstms.
unless otherwise noted, waves 1 foot or less.
charleston harbor water temperature 76 degrees.
winds and waves higher in and near tstms.
unless otherwise noted, waves 1 foot or less.
charleston harbor water temperature 76 degrees.
AMZ300 323 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 190836 AFDCHS
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 436 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/
Smaller scale convectively induced circulation continues to advance northeastward off the Georgia coast early this morning.
Strong low level jet axis ahead of the wave extends up through the coastal waters...evidenced by some unexpected gusty winds from Savannah up through the Charleston coastal waters, while also driving an axis of showers and thunderstorms across the coastal waters. Convection will push away from the coast over the next several hours.
Meanwhile, positive tilt mid level trough axis extends from the mid Atlantic region down into the central Gulf, and attending short-wave circulation pressing into northern Georgia. Surface boundary extends across the far SE sliver of North Carolina and back into the upstate South Carolina region along with some convection that is slowly sagging into the central part of the state.
Short-wave circulation and attending surface boundary will advance down through the forecast area during the course of the afternoon and off the coast tonight. Larger scale forcing for ascent with the wave...in tandem with the boundary, daytime heating and destabilization (1-2K J/Kg MLCAPE by early afternoon south of the boundary) will kick off a compact area of showers and thunderstorms that will track down through the forecast area during the course of the afternoon. Given the high PWAT values (1.5-2 inches) south of the boundary, heavy rainfall will be a possibility and concern.
Biggest issue revolves around where convection develops and the subsequent main area of impact. Recent CAM guidance runs/trends press the surface boundary south of the Charleston tri-county area quickly this morning and fire off convection largely across the southern half of the forecast area. We have made some southward adjustments to the highest pops/QPF amounts with this forecast.
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 /08Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/
Largely VFR conditions anticipated through the overnight hours although with an increased risk for MVFR cigs as daybreak approaches. There could be a little ground fog that develops, mainly at KSAV and possibly KJZI, but the best fog/stratus parameters look to remain to the west of all three terminals.
The risk for showers/tstms will increase during the day Sunday as a cold front moves through. The best focus for showers/tstms looks to settle just south of KCHS and impacting KJZI and KSAV.
A TEMPO for TSRA was included from 18-21z at KCHS to account for some coverage/timing uncertainties. Prevailing TSRA was mentioned for both KJZI (18-21z) and 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.
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 436 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/
Smaller scale convectively induced circulation continues to advance northeastward off the Georgia coast early this morning.
Strong low level jet axis ahead of the wave extends up through the coastal waters...evidenced by some unexpected gusty winds from Savannah up through the Charleston coastal waters, while also driving an axis of showers and thunderstorms across the coastal waters. Convection will push away from the coast over the next several hours.
Meanwhile, positive tilt mid level trough axis extends from the mid Atlantic region down into the central Gulf, and attending short-wave circulation pressing into northern Georgia. Surface boundary extends across the far SE sliver of North Carolina and back into the upstate South Carolina region along with some convection that is slowly sagging into the central part of the state.
Short-wave circulation and attending surface boundary will advance down through the forecast area during the course of the afternoon and off the coast tonight. Larger scale forcing for ascent with the wave...in tandem with the boundary, daytime heating and destabilization (1-2K J/Kg MLCAPE by early afternoon south of the boundary) will kick off a compact area of showers and thunderstorms that will track down through the forecast area during the course of the afternoon. Given the high PWAT values (1.5-2 inches) south of the boundary, heavy rainfall will be a possibility and concern.
Biggest issue revolves around where convection develops and the subsequent main area of impact. Recent CAM guidance runs/trends press the surface boundary south of the Charleston tri-county area quickly this morning and fire off convection largely across the southern half of the forecast area. We have made some southward adjustments to the highest pops/QPF amounts with this forecast.
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 /08Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/
Largely VFR conditions anticipated through the overnight hours although with an increased risk for MVFR cigs as daybreak approaches. There could be a little ground fog that develops, mainly at KSAV and possibly KJZI, but the best fog/stratus parameters look to remain to the west of all three terminals.
The risk for showers/tstms will increase during the day Sunday as a cold front moves through. The best focus for showers/tstms looks to settle just south of KCHS and impacting KJZI and KSAV.
A TEMPO for TSRA was included from 18-21z at KCHS to account for some coverage/timing uncertainties. Prevailing TSRA was mentioned for both KJZI (18-21z) and 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.
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 |
| CHTS1 | 11 mi | 59 min | WNW 5.1G | 72°F | 76°F | 29.85 | ||
| ACXS1 - ACE Basin Reserve, SC | 21 mi | 104 min | 0 | 71°F | 29.83 | 68°F | ||
| 41066 | 25 mi | 81 min | SW 14G | 74°F | 74°F | 29.83 | 70°F | |
| 41076 | 25 mi | 81 min | 3 ft | |||||
| 41029 - Capers Nearshore (CAP 2) | 26 mi | 81 min | WSW 16G | 74°F | 74°F | 29.83 | 69°F | |
| 41065 | 27 mi | 67 min | 3 ft | |||||
| 41033 | 32 mi | 81 min | WSW 5.8G | 75°F | 75°F | 29.82 | 70°F | |
| 41067 | 33 mi | 104 min | 75°F | 2 ft |
toggle option: (graph/table)
| Airport | Dist | Age | Wind kt | Vis | Sky | Weather | Temp | DewPt | RH | inHg |
| KJZI CHARLESTON EXECUTIVE,SC | 5 sm | 13 min | NNW 05 | 10 sm | Clear | 70°F | 70°F | 100% | 29.83 | |
| KCHS CHARLESTON AFB/INTL,SC | 15 sm | 32 min | calm | 10 sm | Mostly Cloudy | 72°F | 68°F | 88% | 29.84 | |
| KLRO MT PLEASANT RGNLFAISON FIELD,SC | 22 sm | 13 min | calm | 7 sm | Clear | 72°F | 72°F | 100% | 29.84 |
Oak Branch
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:39 AM EDT 1.01 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 04:00 AM EDT Moonset
Sun -- 06:18 AM EDT Sunrise
Sun -- 07:19 AM EDT 5.92 feet High Tide
Sun -- 12:51 PM EDT 0.63 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 04:49 PM EDT Moonrise
Sun -- 07:59 PM EDT 6.72 feet High Tide
Sun -- 08:15 PM EDT Sunset
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:39 AM EDT 1.01 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 04:00 AM EDT Moonset
Sun -- 06:18 AM EDT Sunrise
Sun -- 07:19 AM EDT 5.92 feet High Tide
Sun -- 12:51 PM EDT 0.63 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 04:49 PM EDT Moonrise
Sun -- 07:59 PM EDT 6.72 feet High Tide
Sun -- 08:15 PM EDT Sunset
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Oak Branch, Bohicket Creek, South Carolina, Tide feet
| 12 am |
| 1.2 |
| 1 am |
| 1.1 |
| 2 am |
| 1.6 |
| 3 am |
| 2.6 |
| 4 am |
| 3.7 |
| 5 am |
| 4.7 |
| 6 am |
| 5.5 |
| 7 am |
| 5.9 |
| 8 am |
| 5.7 |
| 9 am |
| 4.8 |
| 10 am |
| 3.5 |
| 11 am |
| 2.1 |
| 12 pm |
| 1 |
| 1 pm |
| 0.6 |
| 2 pm |
| 1.1 |
| 3 pm |
| 2.1 |
| 4 pm |
| 3.4 |
| 5 pm |
| 4.6 |
| 6 pm |
| 5.7 |
| 7 pm |
| 6.4 |
| 8 pm |
| 6.7 |
| 9 pm |
| 6.3 |
| 10 pm |
| 5.1 |
| 11 pm |
| 3.5 |
Charleston Harbor Entrance
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:24 AM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 02:25 AM EDT 1.16 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 03:59 AM EDT Moonset
Sun -- 05:53 AM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 06:17 AM EDT Sunrise
Sun -- 09:26 AM EDT -1.72 knots Max Ebb
Sun -- 12:32 PM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 02:57 PM EDT 1.40 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 04:48 PM EDT Moonrise
Sun -- 06:45 PM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 08:14 PM EDT Sunset
Sun -- 10:04 PM EDT -2.08 knots Max Ebb
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:24 AM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 02:25 AM EDT 1.16 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 03:59 AM EDT Moonset
Sun -- 05:53 AM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 06:17 AM EDT Sunrise
Sun -- 09:26 AM EDT -1.72 knots Max Ebb
Sun -- 12:32 PM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 02:57 PM EDT 1.40 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 04:48 PM EDT Moonrise
Sun -- 06:45 PM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 08:14 PM EDT Sunset
Sun -- 10:04 PM EDT -2.08 knots Max Ebb
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Charleston Harbor Entrance, South Carolina Current, knots
| 12 am |
| -0.4 |
| 1 am |
| 0.5 |
| 2 am |
| 1.1 |
| 3 am |
| 1.1 |
| 4 am |
| 0.8 |
| 5 am |
| 0.5 |
| 6 am |
| -0.1 |
| 7 am |
| -0.7 |
| 8 am |
| -1.3 |
| 9 am |
| -1.7 |
| 10 am |
| -1.6 |
| 11 am |
| -1.2 |
| 12 pm |
| -0.5 |
| 1 pm |
| 0.4 |
| 2 pm |
| 1.2 |
| 3 pm |
| 1.4 |
| 4 pm |
| 1.3 |
| 5 pm |
| 1.1 |
| 6 pm |
| 0.6 |
| 7 pm |
| -0.2 |
| 8 pm |
| -1 |
| 9 pm |
| -1.8 |
| 10 pm |
| -2.1 |
| 11 pm |
| -1.8 |
Charleston, SC,
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