Beach Bound From Louisiana ? Be Warned, Advisories Posted

(KMDL-FM) It is the middle of May, and already temperatures in Louisiana are reaching well into the 90s. No, that's not a big shock, but usually it's around Memorial Day Weekend that the outside temperatures get warm enough to make taking a dip at the beach or in a swimming pool enjoyable.

Still, there are a lot of families in Louisiana that have already seen the school year come to a close, and they hear the "Siren's Song" calling them to the beaches of Lower Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. This weekend is also the Sand in My Boots Festival in Gulf Shores, so there's another reason the white sand might be calling your name.

READ MORE: Here's the Line-Up - Sand in My Boots Festival

I have to admit, I am one of those who love going to the beach but hate going out on the sand. I have a love-hate relationship with sand. I love how it feels between my toes, I hate how it feels in other crevices that the Good Lord created when he made my type of beach body.

What Advisories Are Posted Along the Alabama and Florida Beaches This Weekend?

Another reason I personally shy away from the beach is a rip current scare that happened about 20 years ago. I nearly lost both of my kids to a rip current while swimming near the pier on Pensacola Beach.

That part of Pensacola Beach is notorious for strong currents. Fortunately, I was strong enough to manhandle getting both kids closer to shore. And yes, I should have let trained lifeguards do the job, but I am the "dad" and that's what dads do, which sometimes leads to other tragedies.

The concern I want you to be aware of as you plan your beach trip this weekend is a rip current advisory. The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Mobile/Pensacola provides a wonderful tool for keeping your family safe at the beach during the summer.

They may be the only forecast office that regularly publishes rip current forecasts. This weekend the there is a moderate risk of rip currents along the Alabama coastline. That jumps up to a high risk the further east you travel into Florida.

What Is The Rip Current Risk For Alabama and Florida Beaches This Weekend?

The majority of the weekend will see the risk of rip currents as moderate along the beaches that are popular with Louisiana guests. If you're heading to Orange Beach, Pensacola, Navarre, Destin, or even further down the coast to Grayton Beach, you might want to exercise a little more caution if you opt for the Gulf instead of the condo or hotel pool.

READ MORE: Louisiana's 6 Biggest Beach Gripes - Do You Agree?

Sunday does appear to be a better beach day as far as rip currents go, so you should be able to get in the Gulf at some point before you have to head back to your day-to-day existence at home.