The National Weather Service in Jacksonville is warning of a high risk of dangerous rip currents affecting Northeast Florida beaches, in effect through late tonight, as per their latest coastal hazard message. According to the bulletin, areas including Coastal Nassau, Coastal Duval, Coastal St. Johns, and Coastal Flagler should be on alert.

This advisory comes alongside a detailed forecast that sees a 30 percent chance of showers today, mainly after 4 pm, with a partly sunny climate and a high nearing 80 degrees; winds are expected to be breezy from the northeast—speeds ranging from 7 to 15 mph and gusts up to 23 mph are possible, the showers likelihood dips tonight to 30 percent, mainly before 7 pm, while the temperature cools slightly to a low around 68, accompanied by an east wind traveling 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The week ahead alternates between mostly sunny and breezy days with slight chances for showers and thunderstorms under mostly cloudy nights, highs hovering in the low 80s and lows in the high 60s to low 70s.

The NWS emphasizes the hazards of rip currents, suggesting they "can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water." They recommend swimming near a lifeguard and advise that if one is caught in a rip current, the best course of action is to relax and float, and not to swim against the current; if possible, swim parallel to the shoreline, if unable to escape, face the shore and signal for help.

For residents and visitors planning to take advantage of the mostly sunny week, the forecast is favorable with temperatures fitting for enjoying the outdoors yet with a cautionary reminder to heed the rip current risk, keeping in mind safety practices and staying informed via NWS updates, especially as the week progresses and chances of showers and thunderstorms increase, particularly Wednesday and Thursday with a 50 percent chance of precipitation.