High Rip Current Risk For Ocean County Beaches Today

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - Stay off the beaches. Don't even think about going in.

The National Weather Service says there is a high risk of rip currents today. That means dangerous and potentially life threatening conditions exist.

"People visiting the beaches should stay out of the high surf," the NWS says.

Waves today will be from 5 to 7 feet high, much higher than the last few weeks. Swells will be from the east at 5 to 7 feet. The ocean water temperature has dropped to a chilly 65 degrees.

Skies today will be cloudy, with a slight chance of thunderstorms. The lightning threat is low. The ultraviolet index is a 7, which the NWS considers high.

Air temperatures will be in the mid 60s, just about the same as the ocean water. It will be breezy, with winds from the east at 20 to 25 miles per hour.

Low tide at Barnegat Inlet was at 5:54 a.m. High tide will roll in at 11:53 a.m., followed by another low tide at 5:43 p.m. High tide tonight will be at 11:57 p.m.

Map: Courtesy of National Weather Service