Rip Current Risk Drops, But Cloudy Skies Prevail At OC Beaches

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - The National Weather Service is calling for mostly cloudy skies at Ocean County beaches today with a slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms.

The sun is expected to peek out around 5 p.m. a little too late for a decent beach day.

The rip current risk is low today. But rips can still occur, especially around jetties and other structures. Some beaches are guarded, so find out where they are. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. Don't be a statistic this summer.

Waves will be about 4 feet today, with southerly swells of 3 feet. The ocean water temperature is 68 degrees, still a little chilly, but getting a little better.

Highs today will be in the upper 70s. Winds will be from the southwest at around 5 miles per hour, switching to the south at 15 miles per hour in the afternoon. The lightning threat is low, which means there is little chance of thunderstorms.

The ultraviolet index is a 6, which the NWS considers high.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 5:36 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 11:52 a.m. followed by another high tide at 6:05 p.m.

Photo: Surf City Beach Patrol