Soggy Weekend Ahead For Ocean County Beaches

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - If you had plans to hit the beach today, you might want to pick another day.

Although seas will be fairly calm, skies will be cloudy, with heavy rain on the way. Thunderstorms are possible and there's a moderate lightning threat, the National Weather Service says.

Highs will be in the mid 70s. Winds will be from the north at 5 miles per hour, shifting to the east in the afternoon. The ultraviolet index is a 7, which the NWS considers high.

The rip current risk is low today, but rips are always possible, especially near jetties and other structures. Don't swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. The NWS suggests you bring a flotation device with you in the water.

Speaking of water, the surf temperature is a chilly 61 degrees. Waves will be around two feet, gradually increasing to three feet in the afternoon, with light swells.

Low tide at Barnegat Inlet was at 5:12 a.m. High tide will roll in at 11:08 a.m., followed by another low tide at 5:01 p.m.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller