By AlexSosnowskiAccuWeather.com
While not always the best weather, nor the warmest water, the dayssurrounding the Fourth of July are very popular at the beaches.Keep in mind the sun is barely past its peak as far as direct rays areconcerned and still has plenty of power to drive the UV index sky high and heatthe sand to scalding levels.
Since water gains (and loses) heat more slowly than the air or the ground,surf temperatures, especially in northern areas, lag considerably. Most beachesdo not experience their warmest water until mid-August. Local bouts ofupwelling (offshore winds causing cold water to surface from the depths), canruin a day at the beach any time in the summer and early fall. A cold currentfrom the north along the Pacific Coast usually makes the water too cold to swimcomfortably and safely as far south as central California year round.
Here is a look at the forecast for some popular beaches for swimming alongthe U.S coastline for the week ahead. For the latest forecast, simply click onthe link for the location. If your list does not appear below, type in yourbeach and state on AccuWeather.com's Local Weather Forecast in the upper right.
We have included the latest surf temperatures for the beaches.
NantucketIsland, Mass. Surf Temperature: 64 degrees.
TheHamptons, N.Y. Surf Temperature: 70 degrees.
CapeMay, N.J. Surf Temperature: 72 degrees.
