A Calm, Sunny Day Ahead At Monmouth County Beaches

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ - It's a great day to talk a walk on the beach, lie in the sun or just savor the sounds of the waves before the summer crowds roll in later this month.

The National Weather Service calling for mostly sunny skies with some patchy fog, and highs in the lower 70s. There's no rain in the forecast, so there is no lightning threat. The ultraviolet index is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. So if you're planning on tanning, bring the sunscreen.

The rip current risk is low. But don't let down your guard, because rips are always possible, especially near jetties and other structures.Most beaches in Monmouth County are not guarded this early in the season. But some, including Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, will be open this weekend. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night.

Waves today will be around 2 feet high, gradually building to three feet in the afternoon. The ocean water temperature is still a nippy 57 degrees. Winds will be from the southwest at 5 to 10 miles per hour.

Low tide at Belmar arrived at 9:15 a.m. High tide will roll in at 3:26 p.m., followed by another low tide at 9:58 p.m.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller