Sunny Skies, But Rough Seas Ahead On Ocean County Beaches Today

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ The brutal heat is gone, replaced with cool temperatures and sunny skies on Ocean County beaches.

Highs today will only be in the lower 70s. Winds will be brisk, from the northeast at 15 to 20 miles per hour. There's no rain in sight, so there's no lightning threat.

But the seas will be rough. Waves will be from 5 to 6 feet, with easterly swells around 4 feet. The ocean water temperature is 74 degrees.

The rip current risk is moderate. Rips can always occur, especially near jetties and other structures.Be sure to check with lifeguards about trouble spots. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. Don't be a statistic this summer. Several people drowned in the ocean this week, including one who swam on an unguarded beach at Island Beach State Park.

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

Low tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 9:03 a.m. High tide will roll in at 3:17 p.m., followed by another low tide at 9:57 p.m.

Have a nice day and be careful out there!

Photo: Patricia A. Miller