Ocean County Beach Report: Highest Waves Of The Season Predicted For Today

Don't even think about going in the water today.

The National Weather Service is calling for wave heights of 12 to 13 feet on Ocean County beaches, the highest of the season. Southeast swells of 9 to 10 feet are also expected. Nearly all of the beaches in Ocean and Monmouth County are unguarded this late in the season on weekdays. The ocean water temperature is 72 degrees.

Tropical Storm Maria is still lurking offshore.

"Maria has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but the impacts to the east coast remain the same," according to the National Weather Service. "Heavy surf and the potential for rip currents will continue while Maria lingers off the east coast."

The effects of a tropical storm, even offshore, cannot be minimized. Three people drowned over the weekend and dozens more had to be pulled from the surf. Don't take a chance. The ocean will win.

Skies will be mostly cloudy today with a slight chance of showers. Highs will be in the upper 70s. Winds will be from the northeast at 15 miles per hour.

The ultraviolet index is a 6, which the NWS considers very high. There is no lighting threat today.

Low tide at Barnegat Inlet rolled in at 7:24 am. High tide will arrived at 1:38 p.m., followed by another low tide at 8:15 p.m.

Photo: Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty