Why is the Water so Cold in the Outer Banks?

This year the water temperature in the Outer Banks seems to be as fickle as the wind.   From warm to cold, beach goers don’t know what to expect until they stick their toes in the water.  But why is the water temperature changing so much? Actually the wind has everything to do with it.  If the wind is blowing from the land to the ocean it is called an “offshore wind.”  This summer there seems to be more offshore wind than usual.  As the wind blows across the surface of the water, it carries the warm water out to sea.  When this happens the colder deep water replaces it, causing a cold OBX ocean or “upwelling.”  When there is an upwelling the water is often a bit murky as compared to the crystal clear warmer waters.

There have been several times this season that the ocean has dropped from 74 degrees to 54 degrees overnight.  If you plan to surf OBX this summer, be sure to bring your spring suit “just in case.” For those renting a house in the Outer Banks, pay attention to the wind before walking to the beach.  If the wind seems to be moving from the land to the sea, bring a good book, hat and plenty of sand toys for the kids because the water just might be too cold to swim in.  But as I tell my children, a less than perfect day in the Outer Banks is better than a good day anywhere else!

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