A Calm, Sunny Day Ahead At Ocean County Beaches

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - It's a great day to talk a walk on the beach, lie in the sun or just savor the sounds of the waves before the summer crowds roll in later this month.

The National Weather Service calling for mostly sunny skies, with highs in the lower 70s. There's no rain in the forecast, so there is no lightning threat. The ultraviolet index is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. So if you're planning on tanning, bring the sunscreen.

The rip current risk is low. But don't let down your guard, because rips are always possible, especially near jetties and other structures.

Most beaches in Ocean County are not guarded this early in the season. But some, including Island Beach State Park, will be open this weekend. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night.

Waves today will be around 3 feet high, with light swells. The ocean water temperature is still a nippy 60 degrees. Winds will be from the southwest at 5 to 10 miles per hour.

Low tide at Barnegat Inlet will arrive at 9:51 a.m. High tide will roll in at 4:02 p.m., followed by another low tide at 10:30 p.m.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller