Moderate risk of rip currents along Outer Banks today; unsettled weather possible later this week

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There is potential for unsettled weather later this week for eastern North Carolina, as a low pressure system moves up the coast of southeastern U.S. that could possibly take on tropical characteristics.

Meanwhile, a moderate risk of rip currents is expected along the entire Outer Banks again today. Only experienced surf swimmers who know how to escape a rip current should be in the ocean above their knees.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said Sunday morning that a broad area of low pressure located along the northern Gulf Coast is producing disorganized showers and a few thunderstorms.

Some slight development of this system is possible before the disturbance moves onshore along the northeastern Gulf Coast on Monday.

The system is then forecast to move northeastward and could emerge offshore of the Carolinas later this week, where environmental conditions are expected to be more conducive for development.

The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City forecast office said Sunday morning there remains large spread in the forecast models with this system for both development and possible track of the surface low.

But it is still expected to bring draw more moisture into the area and enhance the coverage and intensity of showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon hours.

National Weather Service forecast for Nags Head, as of Sunday 10 a.m.:

Partly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind around 7 mph.
Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 5 to 9 mph.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind 7 to 9 mph.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Light south wind becoming southeast 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday Night
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday Night
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

This story originally appeared on OBXToday.com. Read More local stories here.