A Decent Day Ahead For Ocean County Beaches

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - Looks like today will be the best day of the week so far for heading to the beaches, although there's a slight chance of rain.

Skies today will be mostly sunny, with areas of fog. There's a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs today will be in the lower 80s. Winds will be from the south at 5 to 10 miles per hour. The lightning is low, which means there is little chance of thunderstorms

Waves will be around 4 feet, with southeast swells of 3 feet, about two feet lower than earlier this week. The ocean water temperature is 74 degrees, but that could vary depending upon what beach you go to.

The rip current risk is still moderate. Be sure to check with your local beach patrol about problem areas before heading into the water. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never, ever swim alone or at night. Too many people have drowned in the ocean this summer. Don't add your name to the list.

The ultraviolet index is a 9, which the National Weather Service considers high. So don't forget your sunscreen.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 8:14 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 2:20 p.m., followed by another high tide at 8:27 p.m.

Have a great day and be careful out there!

Photo: Courtesy of Barnegat Light Beach Patrol.