Marine Weather and Tide Forecast for Sunset Beach, NC
February 17, 2025 3:34 PM EST (20:34 UTC) Change Location
![]() | Sunrise 6:55 AM Sunset 6:03 PM Moonrise 10:56 PM Moonset 9:19 AM |
AMZ254 Coastal Waters From Little River Inlet To Murrells Inlet Sc Out 20 Nm- 318 Pm Est Mon Feb 17 2025
Through 7 pm - NW winds 5 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: se 3 ft at 8 seconds and N 2 ft at 3 seconds.
Tonight - N winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming ne late. Seas 2 ft. Wave detail: se 2 ft at 9 seconds and N 1 ft at 3 seconds.
Tue - NE winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Wave detail: ne 2 ft at 3 seconds and se 2 ft at 9 seconds.
Tue night - E winds 10 to 15 kt, becoming ne 15 to 20 kt after midnight. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: E 3 ft at 4 seconds and se 2 ft at 9 seconds. A slight chance of rain after midnight.
Wed - NE winds 15 to 20 kt, increasing to 20 to 25 kt in the afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave detail: E 4 ft at 5 seconds and se 2 ft at 9 seconds. Rain.
Wed night - N winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave detail: E 4 ft at 7 seconds and N 2 ft at 4 seconds. Rain, mainly in the evening.
Thu - NW winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave detail: N 3 ft at 4 seconds and E 3 ft at 7 seconds.
Thu night - N winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft.
Fri - N winds 15 to 20 kt, diminishing to 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 4 ft.
Fri night - N winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
Sat - NE winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming E in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft in the morning, then 1 ft.
Sat night - E winds 5 kt, becoming ne after midnight. Seas 1 ft.
AMZ200 318 Pm Est Mon Feb 17 2025
Synopsis for coastal waters from surf city north carolina to south santee river south carolina out to 20 nautical miles - Cold high pressure will build in through early this week. The next system will affect the waters midweek followed by more cold high pressure through the end of the week.

NEW! Add second zone forecast
Tubbs Inlet Click for Map Mon -- 04:41 AM EST 0.29 feet Low Tide Mon -- 06:56 AM EST Sunrise Mon -- 09:18 AM EST Moonset Mon -- 10:35 AM EST 3.90 feet High Tide Mon -- 04:51 PM EST 0.28 feet Low Tide Mon -- 06:00 PM EST Sunset Mon -- 10:56 PM EST Moonrise Mon -- 11:07 PM EST 4.08 feet High Tide Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION |   |
Tubbs Inlet, North Carolina, Tide feet
12 am |
3.7 |
1 am |
2.9 |
2 am |
1.9 |
3 am |
1 |
4 am |
0.4 |
5 am |
0.3 |
6 am |
0.8 |
7 am |
1.7 |
8 am |
2.7 |
9 am |
3.4 |
10 am |
3.8 |
11 am |
3.9 |
12 pm |
3.5 |
1 pm |
2.8 |
2 pm |
1.9 |
3 pm |
1 |
4 pm |
0.5 |
5 pm |
0.3 |
6 pm |
0.6 |
7 pm |
1.5 |
8 pm |
2.5 |
9 pm |
3.3 |
10 pm |
3.8 |
11 pm |
4.1 |
Hog Inlet Pier Click for Map Mon -- 04:19 AM EST 0.32 feet Low Tide Mon -- 06:56 AM EST Sunrise Mon -- 09:19 AM EST Moonset Mon -- 10:15 AM EST 4.41 feet High Tide Mon -- 04:29 PM EST 0.31 feet Low Tide Mon -- 06:00 PM EST Sunset Mon -- 10:47 PM EST 4.61 feet High Tide Mon -- 10:56 PM EST Moonrise Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION |   |
Hog Inlet Pier, South Carolina, Tide feet
12 am |
3.9 |
1 am |
2.8 |
2 am |
1.8 |
3 am |
0.9 |
4 am |
0.4 |
5 am |
0.5 |
6 am |
1.2 |
7 am |
2.3 |
8 am |
3.3 |
9 am |
4.1 |
10 am |
4.4 |
11 am |
4.3 |
12 pm |
3.7 |
1 pm |
2.8 |
2 pm |
1.7 |
3 pm |
0.9 |
4 pm |
0.4 |
5 pm |
0.4 |
6 pm |
1 |
7 pm |
2 |
8 pm |
3.1 |
9 pm |
4 |
10 pm |
4.5 |
11 pm |
4.6 |
Area Discussion for Wilmington, NC
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FXUS62 KILM 171723 AFDILM
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Wilmington NC 1223 PM EST Mon Feb 17 2025
SYNOPSIS
Dry and cool weather should return today into Tuesday, but a storm system developing along the Gulf coast should bring rain and potentially even some ice to the area Wednesday into Wednesday night. Dry and much colder temperatures are expected late in the week as Canadian high pressure builds in from the west.
UPDATE
18z aviation discussion below.
NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/
Quiet weather is expected as dry, colder air pools in behind the front from yesterday. Winds could still gust around 20-25 mph during the morning as stronger flow aloft is slow to lift to our north.
These gusts should decrease in strength through the afternoon into the evening before winds become largely calm tonight as ridging builds in along with some higher surface pressure tied to a high in the northern plains. As flow aloft turns to out of the SW near the end of the period, we should see an increase in high clouds late tonight. For this reason, I have accounted for some possible radiational cooling early tonight. Highs in the lower 50s; Lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s.
SHORT TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/
Models are in fairly good agreement with the evolution of the weather pattern through midweek: Canadian high pressure over the northern Plains will push dry air southward across the eastern half of the country. This airmass should keep Tuesday mostly sunny and dry with highs in the in the mid 50s.
An upper shortwave moving across the Southeast on Wednesday should induce cyclogenesis on the baroclinic zone along the Gulf Coast. Thickening clouds late Tuesday night should become a solid overcast on Wednesday. Isentropic lift arriving by midday should result in rain developing across the area. The expansive and vertically deep zone of lift gives me high confidence to keep rain chances at 100 percent Wednesday. Storm-total QPF could exceed 1 inch along the coast with 0.5 to 0.8 inches expected inland - well needed precipitation given the D1-D2 drought conditions still being experienced.
The surface low will remain well to our south near the FL/GA state line and should move east into the Atlantic Wednesday night. Low level winds will back around to the north as the low moves offshore, pulling cold air down from what should be a rather hefty winter weather event ongoing across VA and northern North Carolina during the day Wednesday. Air temperatures in the lowest 1500 feet of the atmosphere appear to have a reasonable chance to go below freezing while rain is still falling Wednesday evening, especially across interior sections of southeastern North Carolina. Snow appears unlikely given drying conditions aloft within the dendritic growth zone, however shallower moisture should still support the potential for freezing rain and maybe sleet if subfreezing air can become deep enough. While it's too early for a watch/advisory of any kind, be alert there could be some accumulating wintry weather to deal with Wednesday night.
LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/
Strong Canadian high pressure will finally build eastward behind the departing low Thursday, maintaining very cold and dry conditions through the remainder of the week. Even with partial sunshine expected Thursday NBM ensemble mean highs are only in the lower 40s across the area, quite a contrast from normal highs which have recently risen into the lower 60s at ILM and FLO. The coldest night of the week appears to be Thursday night when a bubble of 850 mb temps potentially as cold as -10C will cross the area. Even with wind, lows could still fall into the lower 20s across the area, the coldest since the very cold stretch Jan 21-25.
The airmass should will remain quite cold Friday as the center of the Canadian high approaches the Carolinas. Daytime temps 40-45 should again fall deep into the 20s as winds finally go calm Friday night.
The Canadian high should move offshore Saturday with modifying return flow expected Saturday night into Sunday. Timing of individual shortwaves is very difficult at that time range but ensembles are a little less enthusiastic about precip chances than 00z GFS and Canadian operational runs are, and I'll maintain only a 20 PoP in the forecast.
AVIATION /18Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/
High confidence in VFR through the period with high pressure building into tomorrow. Clear skies tonight with scattered high clouds Tuesday. Northerly winds will continue decreasing through this afternoon, going calm after sunset. Light northeast winds in store for daytime Tuesday.
Extended Outlook... High confidence in VFR persisting under high pressure into early Wednesday. Another frontal system will likely bring flight restrictions late Wednesday into early Thursday before VFR returns later Thursday and continues through Friday.
MARINE
Through Tonight...Winds and seas will have dropped below SCA criteria by this morning as the pressure gradient begins to relax and stronger winds aloft shift to our north. Offshore winds will decrease to near 10 kts by the afternoon with occasional gusts 15-20 kts possible through the day. Winds will become light and variable overnight due to weak surface high pressure. Seas will respond a bit slower decreasing from 3-5 ft to 2-3 ft by tonight.
Tuesday through Thursday Night...Cold Canadian high pressure building eastward from the northern Plains states will provide northeasterly winds 15 kt or less Tuesday into early Wednesday.
Low pressure will take shape along the Gulf coast Wednesday leading to increasing winds throughout the day. The low should cross N FL/S GA Wednesday evening and move eastward into the Atlantic, with our wind directions backing to the north and eventually northwest on Thursday. Small Craft Advisory conditions are likely to develop across the NC waters Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning, with somewhat lesser potential across the SC waters.
ILM WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
NC...None.
SC...None.
MARINE...None.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Wilmington NC 1223 PM EST Mon Feb 17 2025
SYNOPSIS
Dry and cool weather should return today into Tuesday, but a storm system developing along the Gulf coast should bring rain and potentially even some ice to the area Wednesday into Wednesday night. Dry and much colder temperatures are expected late in the week as Canadian high pressure builds in from the west.
UPDATE
18z aviation discussion below.
NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/
Quiet weather is expected as dry, colder air pools in behind the front from yesterday. Winds could still gust around 20-25 mph during the morning as stronger flow aloft is slow to lift to our north.
These gusts should decrease in strength through the afternoon into the evening before winds become largely calm tonight as ridging builds in along with some higher surface pressure tied to a high in the northern plains. As flow aloft turns to out of the SW near the end of the period, we should see an increase in high clouds late tonight. For this reason, I have accounted for some possible radiational cooling early tonight. Highs in the lower 50s; Lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s.
SHORT TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/
Models are in fairly good agreement with the evolution of the weather pattern through midweek: Canadian high pressure over the northern Plains will push dry air southward across the eastern half of the country. This airmass should keep Tuesday mostly sunny and dry with highs in the in the mid 50s.
An upper shortwave moving across the Southeast on Wednesday should induce cyclogenesis on the baroclinic zone along the Gulf Coast. Thickening clouds late Tuesday night should become a solid overcast on Wednesday. Isentropic lift arriving by midday should result in rain developing across the area. The expansive and vertically deep zone of lift gives me high confidence to keep rain chances at 100 percent Wednesday. Storm-total QPF could exceed 1 inch along the coast with 0.5 to 0.8 inches expected inland - well needed precipitation given the D1-D2 drought conditions still being experienced.
The surface low will remain well to our south near the FL/GA state line and should move east into the Atlantic Wednesday night. Low level winds will back around to the north as the low moves offshore, pulling cold air down from what should be a rather hefty winter weather event ongoing across VA and northern North Carolina during the day Wednesday. Air temperatures in the lowest 1500 feet of the atmosphere appear to have a reasonable chance to go below freezing while rain is still falling Wednesday evening, especially across interior sections of southeastern North Carolina. Snow appears unlikely given drying conditions aloft within the dendritic growth zone, however shallower moisture should still support the potential for freezing rain and maybe sleet if subfreezing air can become deep enough. While it's too early for a watch/advisory of any kind, be alert there could be some accumulating wintry weather to deal with Wednesday night.
LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/
Strong Canadian high pressure will finally build eastward behind the departing low Thursday, maintaining very cold and dry conditions through the remainder of the week. Even with partial sunshine expected Thursday NBM ensemble mean highs are only in the lower 40s across the area, quite a contrast from normal highs which have recently risen into the lower 60s at ILM and FLO. The coldest night of the week appears to be Thursday night when a bubble of 850 mb temps potentially as cold as -10C will cross the area. Even with wind, lows could still fall into the lower 20s across the area, the coldest since the very cold stretch Jan 21-25.
The airmass should will remain quite cold Friday as the center of the Canadian high approaches the Carolinas. Daytime temps 40-45 should again fall deep into the 20s as winds finally go calm Friday night.
The Canadian high should move offshore Saturday with modifying return flow expected Saturday night into Sunday. Timing of individual shortwaves is very difficult at that time range but ensembles are a little less enthusiastic about precip chances than 00z GFS and Canadian operational runs are, and I'll maintain only a 20 PoP in the forecast.
AVIATION /18Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/
High confidence in VFR through the period with high pressure building into tomorrow. Clear skies tonight with scattered high clouds Tuesday. Northerly winds will continue decreasing through this afternoon, going calm after sunset. Light northeast winds in store for daytime Tuesday.
Extended Outlook... High confidence in VFR persisting under high pressure into early Wednesday. Another frontal system will likely bring flight restrictions late Wednesday into early Thursday before VFR returns later Thursday and continues through Friday.
MARINE
Through Tonight...Winds and seas will have dropped below SCA criteria by this morning as the pressure gradient begins to relax and stronger winds aloft shift to our north. Offshore winds will decrease to near 10 kts by the afternoon with occasional gusts 15-20 kts possible through the day. Winds will become light and variable overnight due to weak surface high pressure. Seas will respond a bit slower decreasing from 3-5 ft to 2-3 ft by tonight.
Tuesday through Thursday Night...Cold Canadian high pressure building eastward from the northern Plains states will provide northeasterly winds 15 kt or less Tuesday into early Wednesday.
Low pressure will take shape along the Gulf coast Wednesday leading to increasing winds throughout the day. The low should cross N FL/S GA Wednesday evening and move eastward into the Atlantic, with our wind directions backing to the north and eventually northwest on Thursday. Small Craft Advisory conditions are likely to develop across the NC waters Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning, with somewhat lesser potential across the SC waters.
ILM WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
NC...None.
SC...None.
MARINE...None.
Stations | Dist | Age | Wind | Air | Water | Waves | inHg | DewPt |
41024 - Sunset Nearshore (SUN 2) | 3 mi | 86 min | SSE 7.8G | 48°F | 53°F | 30.09 | 35°F | |
SSBN7 | 3 mi | 59 min | 1 ft | |||||
MROS1 - 8661070 - Springmaid Pier, SC | 27 mi | 46 min | 52°F | 30.14 | ||||
41108 | 28 mi | 38 min | 53°F | 2 ft | ||||
MBIN7 | 37 mi | 64 min | NW 8G | 51°F | 30.11 | 30°F | ||
WLON7 | 38 mi | 46 min | 53°F | 30.11 | ||||
MBNN7 | 42 mi | 64 min | N 6G | 53°F | 30.10 | 28°F | ||
JMPN7 - 8658163 - Johnny Mercer Pier, Wrightsville Beach, NC | 45 mi | 46 min | 51°F | 30.12 | ||||
41038 - ILM2 - 5 miles SE of Wrightsville Beach, NC | 46 mi | 86 min | SSE 1.9G | 48°F | 51°F | 30.12 | 26°F | |
41110 - Masonboro Inlet, NC | 46 mi | 38 min | 51°F | 2 ft |
Wind History for Springmaid Pier, SC
toggle option: (graph/table)
Airport Reports
Link to 1 hour of 5 minute data for KCRE
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) for KCRE
Wind History Graph: CRE
(wind in knots)GEOS Local Image of southeast
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Wilmington, NC,

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