Rough Surf, Moderate Risk of Rip Currents On Ocean County Beaches

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - The National Weather Service is calling for rough surf with a moderate risk of rip currents at Ocean County beaches today.

Skies will be cloudy with a chance of showers and scattered thunderstorms. That's pretty much been the forecast for what seems like forever.

Highs today will be in the upper 70s, with brisk winds from the northeast at 15 to 20 miles per hour. The lightning threat is moderate, which means that thunderstorms are possible.

If you're planning on swimming, be sure to check with your local patrol before heading into the water. Never, ever swim on an unguarded beach. Rips can occur anytime, anyplace. The ocean water temperature is probably the warmest it's been all summer, at 79 degrees. But that could vary, depending upon what beach you go to.

Waves will be from 4 to 5 feet today, with southerly swells of 2 feet.

Despite the clouds and possible showers, the ultraviolet index is a 4, which the NWS considers moderate.

Low tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 9:10 a.m. High tide will roll in at 3:21 p.m., followed by another low tide at 9:58 p.m.

Have a nice day and be careful out there!

Photo: Patricia A. Miller