🌊 US Weather Warriors MarineCast — Monday, August 3, 2026
Small Craft Advisories cover much of the coast and Chesapeake today as southerly winds, steep seas, showers, and nearby thunderstorms make for rough water.
Today on the Water:
South winds are strongest this morning, with gusts to 25 kt and the roughest conditions on exposed coastal waters and the main Chesapeake channel.
Radar shows active cells near Lewes and across the lower Delmarva, moving southwest; thunderstorms carry a lightning risk on open water.
A weak front moves south through the waters today, but conditions remain hazardous for smaller boats.
Atlantic Coastal Waters (Lewes → southern VA coast):
South winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt are driving seas 5 to 6 ft, occasionally to 9 ft.
Showers are likely this morning, with a chance of thunderstorms early and additional showers this afternoon. No workable offshore window today; Tuesday drops to NE 5 to 10 kt with seas 2 to 3 ft.
Delaware Bay:
South winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts to 25 kt will build seas to 2 to 4 ft, with showers in the area.
The bay is less severe than offshore but still uncomfortable, especially in open reaches and near the mouth. The lighter setup does not arrive until Thursday.
Chesapeake Bay & Delmarva-facing Waters:
South winds 15 to 20 kt this morning, easing to 10 to 15 kt this afternoon, with gusts to 25 kt; waves run around 3 ft.
The main channel is the roughest part of the Bay. Tonight turns west near 5 kt, becoming northeast after midnight, with waves near 1 ft.
Wind & Seas Outlook: Today is the peak wind and sea period, led by the Atlantic waters. Tuesday brings the best improvement offshore with lighter northeast winds and 2 to 3 ft seas.
Marine Alerts:
- Small Craft Advisory: Chesapeake Bay, through 10 AM to 11 AM today depending on zone.
- Small Craft Advisory: Fenwick Island to Parramore Island coastal waters, through 10 PM today.
- Small Craft Advisory: Cape Charles Light southward, through 7 PM today.
- Small Craft Advisory: New Jersey coastal waters, through 6 AM Tuesday.
- Coastal Flood Advisory: Anne Arundel, through 10 AM today.
- Beach Hazards Statement: Maryland Beaches, Accomack, and Northampton, through 8 PM today.
Best Window to be Out: Tonight in protected Chesapeake waters, after winds drop to around 5 kt and waves settle near 1 ft.
Worst Window: This morning through the afternoon, especially offshore and in the Chesapeake main channel.
Bottom Line: Do not plan an offshore run today; wait for the lighter water expected Tuesday.
— US Weather Warriors #DelmarvaWeather #MarineWeather #BoatingWeather