Going to the beach for the 4th? Here’s the forecast for the North Carolina coast

Forecasters say it’s going to be a hot, sunny holiday weekend along North Carolina’s beaches. But keep an eye out for rip currents.

There’s a slight chance of storms on the Outer Banks for the Fourth of July afternoon, but otherwise beachgoers should have clear skies, according to the National Weather Service.

Farther south around Wilmington and southeast North Carolina any storms should hold off until Sunday, forecasters said.

“We got some nice weather for y’all to kickoff the #IndependenceDay weekend. Be mindful that it will be very warm out there, so remember to use the sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and PLEASE check the backseat before you leave your car!” forecasters with the National Weather Service in Wilmington said.

Even if the beaches get crowded, don’t forget to keep up social distancing on the sand and in the water to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. And bring your mask for when it’s not possible to keep 6 feet of distance from others or when it’s time to go get some ice cream to cool down.

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Highs in the Wilmington area could hit 90 to 95 degrees Friday and Saturday, with heat indexes even higher, the Weather Service said.

It’ll be hot along the Outer Banks too for the holiday, with highs in the upper 80s, according to the Weather Service in Morehead City.

“It’s shaping up to be a beautiful holiday weekend across Eastern NC,” the Weather Service said on Twitter.

Forecasters say there’s a moderate rip current risk along the North Carolina coast this weekend.