Marine Weather and Tide Forecast for Charleston, SC
March 28, 2024 7:10 AM EDT (11:10 UTC) Change Location
Sunrise 7:10 AM Sunset 7:38 PM Moonrise 10:02 PM Moonset 7:47 AM |
AMZ330 Charleston Harbor- 645 Am Edt Thu Mar 28 2024
.small craft advisory in effect until 6 pm edt this evening - .
Today - N winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt. Waves 1 to 2 ft. Showers this morning.
Tonight - NW winds 10 to 15 kt.
Fri - NW winds 10 kt, becoming W in the afternoon.
Fri night - SW winds 10 to 15 kt.
Sat - W winds 10 kt, becoming sw with gusts to 20 kt in the afternoon.
Sat night - SW winds 15 kt with gusts to 20 kt.
Sun - SW winds 15 kt.
Sun night - SW winds 10 to 15 kt.
Mon - SW winds 10 to 15 kt.
Mon night - SW winds 15 kt.
unless otherwise noted, waves 1 foot or less.
charleston harbor water temperature 63 degrees.
unless otherwise noted, waves 1 foot or less.
charleston harbor water temperature 63 degrees.
AMZ300 645 Am Edt Thu Mar 28 2024
Synopsis for the coastal waters of south coastal south carolina and north coastal georgia - A cold front will move through today, then high pressure will build in through Tuesday. A cold front could affect the area next Wednesday.
Area Discussion for - Charleston, SC
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FXUS62 KCHS 280754 AFDCHS
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 354 AM EDT Thu Mar 28 2024
SYNOPSIS
A cold front will move through today, then high pressure will build in through Tuesday. A cold front could affect the area next Wednesday.
NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/
Today: A cold front is slowly easing off the coast early this morning, with a wave of weak low pressure along the front near the Georgia coast. That low will reach off the coast of Charleston closer to daybreak, then steadily deepens as it lifts northeast over the Gulf Stream waters, reaching off the North Carolina Outer Banks late. Low level frontogenesis, plenty of deep moisture where PWat is as much as 1.5 to 1.6 inches will prevail across the local area early on. Aided by an nearby upper jet and its associated divergence, along with a strong upstream short wave trough, numerous to widespread showers will occur. There might even be a stray t-storm or two near the coast as we start the day. We're showing 90-100% PoPs, except less chances from Allendale to Tattnall County. There is no risk for Flash Flooding, but with some elevated instability, and the convection aligned parallel to the flow aloft, some training will occur. So it remains possible for some minor flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas, and in the Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah metro regions. Fortunately we're in the low tide cycle.
In wake of the low and cold front, drier air will filter in through the morning, as considerable drier air moves in aloft.
This will put an abrupt end to the rainy conditions from west- southwest to the east-northeast as we go through the morning, and the majority of the afternoon looks to be rainfree. However, a swath of higher low level moisture and the short wave trough will move on through with colder air aloft, leading to steep mid level lapse rates. This might generate a few showers as suggested by some of the guidance. For now we'll not mention anything in the forecast, but do show 10% chances for the afternoon once the morning rains exit the area.
The low level inversion holds into the afternoon, and this has implications regarding temperatures, especially since there is some cold advection. Unless we get more afternoon insolation than we're anticipating, highs today will only reach the lower and middle 60s. And with gusty northerly winds, it'll definitely be a cool day.
Lake Winds: Although it does appear marginal, there is enough of a gradient and cold advection for a Lake Wind Advisory on Lake Moultrie through late afternoon.
Tonight: Clear skies will encompass the area as high pressure builds in from the west. Although winds never fully decouple in most places, there is enough cold advection and some radiational cooling to allow for temperatures to drop to the 40s just about everywhere. If winds do go calm, a few upper 30s are possible in normally colder rural interior sections.
SHORT TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/
Deep layered ridging expected Friday through Sunday, with dry conditions and warming temperatures. Sunny skies should prevail Friday and Saturday, then high cirrus should overspread the area on Sunday. High temps will go from lower 70s Friday to mid 70s Saturday and lower 80s Sunday.
LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/
Above normal temperatures will continue Monday into Tuesday as ridging persists. Monday will be dry, as well as most of Tuesday, though an approaching upper shortwave could bring a few showers into far western areas late Tuesday. A potent upper trough will push a cold front through the area on Wednesday, potentially accompanied by scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Temps will cool down a bit by Thursday with drying conditions.
AVIATION /07Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/
KCHS/KJZI/KSAV: Widespread SHRA and maybe a few TSRA will impact the area through the predawn hours, with IFR or even occasional LIFR conditions, as a cold front and associated weak low pressure moves through. Convection diminishes during the upcoming morning, but IFR ceilings will continue. MVFR returns during the afternoon as mixing heights climb, then VFR finally moves back in late as high pressure builds from the west.
In wake of the cold front, winds will shift to the N by daybreak, and become gusty through the day, peaking around 25 kt, before diminishing considerably toward sunset.
Extended Aviation Outlook: VFR conditions will prevail.
MARINE
Today: A cold front and wave of low pressure will pass through the waters early this morning, lifting off to the northeast as it deepens thereafter. There's a tightening of the gradient that occurs between these features and high pressure from Texas to Ohio, plus some cold advection, which will produce NW and N winds as high as 20 or 25 kt, with even some stronger gusts. As a result, Small Craft Advisories are in effect for all waters, including Charleston Harbor. Sea height is cut down some by the offshore fetch, but given the strength of the winds, they'll still be as high as 4-6 feet.
Tonight: High pressure continues to build in from the west. The combination of weak cold advection, steady isallobaric pressure climbs, and a modest gradient will keep winds elevated. Small Craft Advisories will continue for at least the Charleston County Atlantic waters, and the outermost Georgia waters.
Winds will turn to the SW on Friday as high pressure redevelops off the FL coast. Wind speeds will increase over the weekend as the gradient tightens between the surface high over the southwest Atlantic and a developing surface trough inland. A further tightening of the gradient is expected Tuesday into Wednesday as a cold front approaches from the west. A brief period of Small Craft Advisory gusts is possible Saturday afternoon over the Charleston nearshore waters. We could be close to advisory again Tuesday into Wednesday, mainly due to gusts near 25 kt.
CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
GA...None.
SC...Lake Wind Advisory until 4 PM EDT this afternoon for SCZ045.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 6 PM EDT this evening for AMZ330-352.
Small Craft Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 10 PM EDT this evening for AMZ350.
Small Craft Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 4 PM EDT this afternoon for AMZ354.
Small Craft Advisory until 11 AM EDT Friday for AMZ374.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 354 AM EDT Thu Mar 28 2024
SYNOPSIS
A cold front will move through today, then high pressure will build in through Tuesday. A cold front could affect the area next Wednesday.
NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/
Today: A cold front is slowly easing off the coast early this morning, with a wave of weak low pressure along the front near the Georgia coast. That low will reach off the coast of Charleston closer to daybreak, then steadily deepens as it lifts northeast over the Gulf Stream waters, reaching off the North Carolina Outer Banks late. Low level frontogenesis, plenty of deep moisture where PWat is as much as 1.5 to 1.6 inches will prevail across the local area early on. Aided by an nearby upper jet and its associated divergence, along with a strong upstream short wave trough, numerous to widespread showers will occur. There might even be a stray t-storm or two near the coast as we start the day. We're showing 90-100% PoPs, except less chances from Allendale to Tattnall County. There is no risk for Flash Flooding, but with some elevated instability, and the convection aligned parallel to the flow aloft, some training will occur. So it remains possible for some minor flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas, and in the Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah metro regions. Fortunately we're in the low tide cycle.
In wake of the low and cold front, drier air will filter in through the morning, as considerable drier air moves in aloft.
This will put an abrupt end to the rainy conditions from west- southwest to the east-northeast as we go through the morning, and the majority of the afternoon looks to be rainfree. However, a swath of higher low level moisture and the short wave trough will move on through with colder air aloft, leading to steep mid level lapse rates. This might generate a few showers as suggested by some of the guidance. For now we'll not mention anything in the forecast, but do show 10% chances for the afternoon once the morning rains exit the area.
The low level inversion holds into the afternoon, and this has implications regarding temperatures, especially since there is some cold advection. Unless we get more afternoon insolation than we're anticipating, highs today will only reach the lower and middle 60s. And with gusty northerly winds, it'll definitely be a cool day.
Lake Winds: Although it does appear marginal, there is enough of a gradient and cold advection for a Lake Wind Advisory on Lake Moultrie through late afternoon.
Tonight: Clear skies will encompass the area as high pressure builds in from the west. Although winds never fully decouple in most places, there is enough cold advection and some radiational cooling to allow for temperatures to drop to the 40s just about everywhere. If winds do go calm, a few upper 30s are possible in normally colder rural interior sections.
SHORT TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/
Deep layered ridging expected Friday through Sunday, with dry conditions and warming temperatures. Sunny skies should prevail Friday and Saturday, then high cirrus should overspread the area on Sunday. High temps will go from lower 70s Friday to mid 70s Saturday and lower 80s Sunday.
LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/
Above normal temperatures will continue Monday into Tuesday as ridging persists. Monday will be dry, as well as most of Tuesday, though an approaching upper shortwave could bring a few showers into far western areas late Tuesday. A potent upper trough will push a cold front through the area on Wednesday, potentially accompanied by scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Temps will cool down a bit by Thursday with drying conditions.
AVIATION /07Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/
KCHS/KJZI/KSAV: Widespread SHRA and maybe a few TSRA will impact the area through the predawn hours, with IFR or even occasional LIFR conditions, as a cold front and associated weak low pressure moves through. Convection diminishes during the upcoming morning, but IFR ceilings will continue. MVFR returns during the afternoon as mixing heights climb, then VFR finally moves back in late as high pressure builds from the west.
In wake of the cold front, winds will shift to the N by daybreak, and become gusty through the day, peaking around 25 kt, before diminishing considerably toward sunset.
Extended Aviation Outlook: VFR conditions will prevail.
MARINE
Today: A cold front and wave of low pressure will pass through the waters early this morning, lifting off to the northeast as it deepens thereafter. There's a tightening of the gradient that occurs between these features and high pressure from Texas to Ohio, plus some cold advection, which will produce NW and N winds as high as 20 or 25 kt, with even some stronger gusts. As a result, Small Craft Advisories are in effect for all waters, including Charleston Harbor. Sea height is cut down some by the offshore fetch, but given the strength of the winds, they'll still be as high as 4-6 feet.
Tonight: High pressure continues to build in from the west. The combination of weak cold advection, steady isallobaric pressure climbs, and a modest gradient will keep winds elevated. Small Craft Advisories will continue for at least the Charleston County Atlantic waters, and the outermost Georgia waters.
Winds will turn to the SW on Friday as high pressure redevelops off the FL coast. Wind speeds will increase over the weekend as the gradient tightens between the surface high over the southwest Atlantic and a developing surface trough inland. A further tightening of the gradient is expected Tuesday into Wednesday as a cold front approaches from the west. A brief period of Small Craft Advisory gusts is possible Saturday afternoon over the Charleston nearshore waters. We could be close to advisory again Tuesday into Wednesday, mainly due to gusts near 25 kt.
CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
GA...None.
SC...Lake Wind Advisory until 4 PM EDT this afternoon for SCZ045.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 6 PM EDT this evening for AMZ330-352.
Small Craft Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 10 PM EDT this evening for AMZ350.
Small Craft Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 4 PM EDT this afternoon for AMZ354.
Small Craft Advisory until 11 AM EDT Friday for AMZ374.
Stations | Dist | Age | Wind | Air Temp | Water Temp | Waves | inHg | DewPt |
CHTS1 | 0 mi | 53 min | NNW 6G | 62°F | 63°F | 29.83 | ||
41029 - Capers Nearshore (CAP 2) | 16 mi | 63 min | NNW 1.9G | 62°F | 29.80 | 62°F | ||
41065 | 17 mi | 49 min | 3 ft | |||||
41076 | 22 mi | 69 min | 4 ft | |||||
ACXS1 - ACE Basin Reserve, SC | 32 mi | 86 min | WNW 2.9 | 61°F | 29.89 | 61°F | ||
41067 | 43 mi | 86 min | 62°F | 3 ft | ||||
41004 - EDISTO - 41 NM Southeast of Charleston, SC | 48 mi | 41 min | NNW 3.9G | 65°F | 65°F | 29.82 |
toggle option: (graph/table)
Airport Reports
EDIT (hide/show)  Help Click EDIT to display multiple airports. Follow links for more data.Airport | Dist | Age | Wind kt | Vis | Sky | Weather | Temp | DewPt | RH | inHg |
KJZI CHARLESTON EXECUTIVE,SC | 7 sm | 15 min | N 04 | 3 sm | Overcast | Lt Rain Mist | 63°F | 63°F | 100% | 29.83 |
KCHS CHARLESTON AFB/INTL,SC | 10 sm | 14 min | NNW 09 | 5 sm | Overcast | Lt Rain Mist | 61°F | 57°F | 88% | 29.84 |
KLRO MT PLEASANT RGNLFAISON FIELD,SC | 11 sm | 15 min | N 00G11 | 1/2 sm | Overcast | Hvy Rain | 63°F | 63°F | 100% | 29.83 |
Charleston
Click for Map
Thu -- 04:44 AM EDT 0.32 feet Low Tide
Thu -- 07:12 AM EDT Sunrise
Thu -- 08:46 AM EDT Moonset
Thu -- 10:30 AM EDT 4.72 feet High Tide
Thu -- 04:40 PM EDT 0.38 feet Low Tide
Thu -- 07:37 PM EDT Sunset
Thu -- 10:56 PM EDT 5.48 feet High Tide
Thu -- 11:01 PM EDT Moonrise
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Click for Map
Thu -- 04:44 AM EDT 0.32 feet Low Tide
Thu -- 07:12 AM EDT Sunrise
Thu -- 08:46 AM EDT Moonset
Thu -- 10:30 AM EDT 4.72 feet High Tide
Thu -- 04:40 PM EDT 0.38 feet Low Tide
Thu -- 07:37 PM EDT Sunset
Thu -- 10:56 PM EDT 5.48 feet High Tide
Thu -- 11:01 PM EDT Moonrise
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Charleston, South Carolina, Tide feet
12 am |
4.8 |
1 am |
3.7 |
2 am |
2.5 |
3 am |
1.3 |
4 am |
0.5 |
5 am |
0.3 |
6 am |
0.9 |
7 am |
2 |
8 am |
3.2 |
9 am |
4.2 |
10 am |
4.7 |
11 am |
4.7 |
12 pm |
4.2 |
1 pm |
3.3 |
2 pm |
2.2 |
3 pm |
1.2 |
4 pm |
0.5 |
5 pm |
0.4 |
6 pm |
1 |
7 pm |
2.1 |
8 pm |
3.4 |
9 pm |
4.6 |
10 pm |
5.3 |
11 pm |
5.5 |
Charleston Harbor Entrance
Click for Map
Thu -- 02:17 AM EDT -2.34 knots Max Ebb
Thu -- 05:20 AM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Thu -- 07:11 AM EDT Sunrise
Thu -- 07:48 AM EDT 1.63 knots Max Flood
Thu -- 08:46 AM EDT Moonset
Thu -- 10:58 AM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Thu -- 02:07 PM EDT -1.96 knots Max Ebb
Thu -- 05:08 PM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Thu -- 07:37 PM EDT Sunset
Thu -- 08:03 PM EDT 1.60 knots Max Flood
Thu -- 11:01 PM EDT Moonrise
Thu -- 11:38 PM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Click for Map
Thu -- 02:17 AM EDT -2.34 knots Max Ebb
Thu -- 05:20 AM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Thu -- 07:11 AM EDT Sunrise
Thu -- 07:48 AM EDT 1.63 knots Max Flood
Thu -- 08:46 AM EDT Moonset
Thu -- 10:58 AM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Thu -- 02:07 PM EDT -1.96 knots Max Ebb
Thu -- 05:08 PM EDT 0.00 knots Slack
Thu -- 07:37 PM EDT Sunset
Thu -- 08:03 PM EDT 1.60 knots Max Flood
Thu -- 11:01 PM EDT Moonrise
Thu -- 11:38 PM EDT -0.00 knots Slack
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Charleston Harbor Entrance, South Carolina Current, knots
12 am |
-1 |
1 am |
-1.9 |
2 am |
-2.3 |
3 am |
-2.2 |
4 am |
-1.4 |
5 am |
-0.4 |
6 am |
0.6 |
7 am |
1.4 |
8 am |
1.6 |
9 am |
1.2 |
10 am |
0.6 |
11 am |
-0 |
12 pm |
-0.9 |
1 pm |
-1.6 |
2 pm |
-2 |
3 pm |
-1.8 |
4 pm |
-1.1 |
5 pm |
-0.1 |
6 pm |
0.7 |
7 pm |
1.3 |
8 pm |
1.6 |
9 pm |
1.4 |
10 pm |
0.9 |
11 pm |
0.4 |
Charleston, SC,
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