The National Weather Service Jacksonville, Florida, provides essential coastal waters forecasts, ensuring mariners and coastal communities stay informed about the latest marine weather conditions. This detailed forecast, issued at 4:02 AM EST on Saturday, February 22, 2025, covers the Atlantic coastal waters from Altamaha Sound, Georgia, to Flagler Beach, Florida, extending out to 60 nautical miles. Understanding these forecasts is crucial for safe navigation and planning activities in these dynamic marine environments.
This forecast utilizes sea conditions reported as a range, representing the average height of the highest one-third of waves, alongside the occasional height of the average highest one-tenth of waves. This nuanced approach provides a comprehensive picture of wave conditions for mariners.
Weather Synopsis
The current weather pattern features a broad surface low-pressure system. This low is expected to traverse central Florida later today, Saturday, February 22nd, and then track northeastward, moving away from the local waters by Sunday. As this low departs, high pressure will build to the north of the waters on Monday. Looking ahead, another low-pressure area is anticipated to approach south Florida. This subsequent low will track east of the waters into Tuesday, allowing surface high pressure to strengthen across the eastern Gulf by mid-week. This evolving weather scenario necessitates careful attention to updated forecasts from the National Weather Service Jacksonville.
Gulf Stream Location
For those navigating further offshore, the National Weather Service Jacksonville forecast includes the approximate location of the west wall of the Gulf Stream, a significant ocean current. As of February 20, 2025, at 1200 UTC, the Gulf Stream’s west wall was positioned:
- 57 nautical miles east of Flagler Beach.
- 66 nautical miles east of Saint Augustine Beach.
- 75 nautical miles east of Jacksonville Beach.
- 95 nautical miles east southeast of St Simons Island.
This valuable data is provided courtesy of the Naval Oceanographic Office and helps mariners account for the Gulf Stream’s influence on their routes and conditions.
Coastal Waters Forecast: Altamaha Sound to Flagler Beach FL out to 20 NM
This section of the National Weather Service Jacksonville forecast details conditions for the nearshore coastal waters, extending 20 nautical miles offshore from Altamaha Sound to Flagler Beach.
Today: Expect northeast winds at 10 to 15 knots this morning, diminishing to a lighter 5 to 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas will be in the range of 3 to 5 feet, occasionally reaching 6 feet. Wave details indicate northeast waves at 4 feet with an 8-second period. Intracoastal waters will experience light chop.
Tonight: North winds will prevail at 5 to 10 knots. Seas are expected to subside to 2 to 3 feet, with northeast waves at 3 feet with an 8-second period. Intracoastal waters will remain with light chop.
Sunday: North winds will continue at 5 to 10 knots, shifting to northeast in the afternoon. Seas will remain at 2 to 3 feet, with northeast waves at 3 feet with an 8-second period. Light chop conditions are expected in the Intracoastal waters.
Sunday Night: Winds will become easterly around 5 knots, then shifting to north after midnight. Seas will be around 2 feet, with northeast waves at 2 feet with an 8-second period, leading to smooth conditions in the Intracoastal waters. There is a slight chance of showers developing after midnight.
Monday: Northeast winds are expected at 5 to 10 knots. Seas will be around 2 feet, with northeast waves at 2 feet with an 8-second period. Intracoastal waters will have light chop. There is a chance of showers, primarily in the morning.
Monday Night: North winds will blow at 5 to 10 knots. Seas will remain around 2 feet, with east waves at 2 feet with an 8-second period. Light chop conditions will continue in the Intracoastal waters.
Tuesday through Wednesday: South winds are forecast at 5 to 10 knots throughout this period. Seas will remain around 2 feet, and Intracoastal waters will experience light chop.
Offshore Waters Forecast: Altamaha Sound GA to Flagler Beach FL from 20 to 60 NM
For those venturing further offshore, the National Weather Service Jacksonville also provides a forecast for waters 20 to 60 nautical miles off the coast.
Today: Northeast winds will blow at 10 to 15 knots this morning, decreasing to east winds at 5 to 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas are expected to be 3 to 5 feet, occasionally reaching 6 feet. Wave details show northeast waves at 5 feet with an 8-second period. There is a slight chance of showers this afternoon.
Tonight: North winds at 5 to 10 knots will shift to northwest at 10 to 15 knots after midnight. Seas will be 3 to 4 feet, occasionally reaching 5 feet. Northeast waves are expected at 4 feet with an 8-second period.
Sunday: North winds at 10 to 15 knots will diminish to 5 to 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas will range from 2 to 4 feet, occasionally reaching 5 feet. Northeast waves will be at 3 feet with an 8-second period.
Sunday Night: North winds will be at 5 to 10 knots. Seas are expected to be 2 to 3 feet, with northeast waves at 3 feet with an 8-second period. A slight chance of showers exists after midnight.
Monday: Northeast winds at 5 to 10 knots are expected. Seas will be around 2 feet, with northeast waves at 2 feet with an 8-second period. There is a chance of showers.
Monday Night: North winds at 5 to 10 knots will continue. Seas will be 2 to 3 feet, with northeast waves at 3 feet with a 7-second period. A slight chance of showers is forecast in the evening.
Tuesday through Wednesday: South winds are expected at 5 to 10 knots, with seas remaining at 2 to 3 feet throughout the period.
This comprehensive coastal waters forecast from the National Weather Service Jacksonville provides vital information for anyone planning activities on or near the waters of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Always refer to the latest official forecasts for the most up-to-date information.
