A Sunny Day Ahead At Ocean County Beaches, But Watch For Rips

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – If you're lucky enough to have the day off, head to the beach. The National Weather Service is calling for a sunny day.

Highs today will in in the mid 80s, with winds from the southwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour. There is no lightning threat.

Tonight may be a different story. The NWS says rain and possible "torrential downpours" are possible, especially on the mainland.

Be careful around the water. The rip current risk is low, but rips can happen anytime, anyplace, especially near jetties and other structures. Be sure to check with your local beach patrol about any problem areas. Rips can happen anytime, anyplace. Always swim on a guarded beach and never, ever swim alone or at night. The NWS advises swimmers to bring a flotation device with them in the water.

Waves today will start at 2 feet high and build to 3 feet in the afternoon, with light swells. The ocean water temperature is 78 degrees, the warmest its been all summer. The surf temperature could vary from beach to beach.

The ultraviolet index is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. So don't forget the sunscreen.

Low tide at Barnegat Inlet will arrive at 10:29 a.m. High tide will roll in at 4:47 p.m., followed by another low tide at 11:38 p.m.

Have a nice day and be careful out there!

Photo: Barnegat Light Beach Patrol