Weekly swim report · October 20, 2026
North Carolina swim report
On October 20, 2026 the warmest USGS water reading in North Carolina was 75°F at CATAWBA R AT RR BRIDGE AB NC 73 AT COWANS FORD, NC; 13 water-related NWS hazards are active.
Warmest water
The 5 warmest of 31 sensors reporting a water temperature in North Carolina today. Station names open the official monitoring page.
- #175°F 24°C19 hrs ago
- #2PEE DEE R AT HWY731 BL LK TILLERY NR NORWOOD, NCUSGS gauge · 6,460 ft³/s72°F 22°C19 hrs ago
- #372°F 22°C19 hrs ago
- #4CATAWBA R AT SR1223 BL LK JAMES NR BRIDGEWATER, NCUSGS gauge · 2,900 ft³/s70°F 21°C19 hrs ago
- #5ROANOKE RIVER AT JAMESVILLE, NCUSGS gauge70°F 21°C20 hrs ago
Active hazards in North Carolina
Alerts cover counties or forecast zones — an alert for an area does not mean every river or beach inside it is affected. Times are local to the issuing office.
- Stay outCoastal Flood Warning
A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Hatteras Island.
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC · until Oct 21, 8:00 PM
- Stay outCoastal Flood Warning
A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Ocracoke Island.
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC · until Oct 21, 8:00 PM
- CautionCoastal Flood Advisory
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for East Carteret.
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC · until Oct 20, 8:00 PM
- CautionCoastal Flood Advisory
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Northern Outer Banks.
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC · until Oct 21, 8:00 PM
- CautionCoastal Flood Advisory
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Eastern Currituck; Virginia Beach.
NWS Wakefield VA · until Oct 22, 12:00 AM
- CautionHigh Surf Advisory
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for East Carteret.
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC · until Oct 21, 8:00 AM
- CautionHigh Surf Advisory
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for Hatteras Island.
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC · until Oct 22, 6:00 AM
- CautionHigh Surf Advisory
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for Northern Outer Banks.
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC · until Oct 22, 6:00 AM
- CautionHigh Surf Advisory
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for Ocracoke Island.
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC · until Oct 21, 8:00 AM
- CautionHigh Surf Advisory
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for Coastal New Hanover.
NWS Wilmington NC · until Oct 20, 8:00 AM
- CautionHigh Surf Advisory
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for Eastern Currituck; Virginia Beach.
NWS Wakefield VA · until Oct 21, 7:00 PM
- CautionRip Current Statement
A Rip Current Statement is in effect for Coastal New Hanover.
NWS Wilmington NC · until Oct 20, 8:00 PM
- CautionWind Advisory
A Wind Advisory is in effect for Northern Outer Banks; Ocracoke Island; Hatteras Island.
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC · until Oct 20, 6:00 PM
Where to swim in North Carolina
The most-reviewed, well-rated water destinations in North Carolina — check each one’s live conditions before you go.
4.5(6,979)Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Boardwalk hugging a sandy beach with kid-friendly rides & snack bars, plus concerts & fireworks.
4.7(5,928)Kure Beach Pier
Built in 1923, Kure Beach Pier is the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast. Standing 26 feet above the ocean and extending 711 feet into the Atlantic, this family-owned pier offers fishing for Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, flounder, and bluefish — no fishing license required. The pier house is open 24 hours daily from Good Friday through Thanksgiving and features a tackle shop, ice cream vendors, an arcade, and spectators can stroll for free.
4.7(4,737)Lake Johnson Park
Recreation area with 5.4 miles of trails around a lake, plus boat rentals, picnic areas & fishing.
4.7(4,380)Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Scenic destination for picnicking, hiking & mountain biking, plus beaches, swimming & boat launches.
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Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.