Ocean County Beach Report: Sunny, But High Risk Current Remains

As Tropical Storm Maria gradually pulls away from the Jersey coast, the massive wave heights of the past week have decreased.

But the National Weather Service says there is still a high risk of rip currents today. That dangerous and life-threatening conditions exist on Ocean County beaches. Wave heights will be around 3 to 5 feet, with easterly swells of 4 feet. The ocean water temperature is 70 degrees.

There are very few beaches guarded this late in the season. Island Beach State Park is guarded today, Saturday and Sunday, and that's it for the season. There are a few municipal beaches in Surf City that are also guarded today and on the weekend.

Please do not swim on an unguarded beach. Too many people have died this summer because they did. Never swim alone or at night.

Skies will be sunny today, but temperatures will be cool. The predicted high for today is only 70 degrees. Winds will be from the north at 10 miles per hour, switching over to the south in the afternoon.

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

Low tide at Barnegat Inlet rolled in at 9:17 a.m. High tide will arrive at 3:24 p.m., followed by another low tide at 10:05 p.m.

Photo: Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty