Ocean County Beach Report: Sunny Skies, Low Rip Current Risk

The National Weather Service is calling for mostly sunny skies at Ocean County beaches with a low risk of rip currents.

Highs will be in the upper 80s, with northwest winds at 5 miles per hour, switching over to the south in the afternoon. But the NWS has issued a Code Orange air quality alert, which means the air quality conditions could affect people with asthma, heart and lung conditions and the elderly.

There's a low risk of rip currents today, but rips are always possible, especially near jetties and other structures. Always swim on a guarded beach and never swim alone or at night. The NWS suggests you always have a flotation device with you in the water.

Waves will be around three feet high, with southeasterly swells of two feet. The ocean water temperature is 76 degrees.

The ultraviolet index is a 10. It doesn't get any higher than that, so bring the sunscreen. There is no lightning threat for today.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet was at 6:21 a.m. Low tide will arrive at 12:32 p.m., followed by another high tide at 6:46 p.m.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller