Sunny Skies For Today, But Rip Current Risk Is Still Moderate

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ - Downgraded Tropical Storm Chris is now far away from MonmouthCounty beaches, but the rip current risk is still moderate for today.

Skies today will be sunny, with highs at the beach only reaching the upper 70s. Winds will be from the northeast at around 5 miles per hour, switching over to the southeast from 5 to 10 miles per hour in the afternoon. More heat and humidity is on the way for the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

There's still a moderate risk of rip currents. Check with your local beach patrol about any problem areas before you go swimming. There are plenty of guarded beaches. Never, ever swim on an unguarded beach, and never swim alone or at night. Most of the people who have already drowned this summer swam on unguarded beaches. Don't become a statistic.

Waves today will be around 3 feet, with southeast swells of 2 feet. The ocean water temperature is 73 degrees, just about where it should be this time of the year.

The ultraviolet index is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. Don't forget your sunscreen. There is no lightning threat.

High tide at Belmar arrived at 8:03 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 2:03 p.m., followed by another high tide at 8:19 p.m.

Have a nice day and be careful out there!

Photo: Patricia A. Miller