Ocean County Beach Weather Report: Showers And Thunderstorms Expected Today

It's not going to be a great day at the beach today.

Skies will be mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms this morning and late in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Highs will be in the lower 80s. Winds will be from the south at 15 to 20 miles hour. The lightning threat is high.

There's a moderate risk of rip currents. Always check with your local beach patrols before heading in the water. Always swim on a guarded beach and never swim alone or at night. The NWS suggests you bring a flotation device with you when heading into the water. But since there's a high risk of lightning, don't go in at all.

Waves will be from 4 to 5 feet high, with southerly swells of 3 to 4 feet. The ocean water temperature is 78 degrees. Despite the clouds and rain, the ultraviolet index is still a 7, which the NWS considers high.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet rolled in at 5:09 a.m. Low tide will arrive at 11:21 a.m., followed by another high tide at 5:34 p.m.

Photo: Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol