Monmouth County Beach Report: Sunny Skies, But High Rip Current Risk Continues

As Tropical Storm Maria gradually pulls away from the Jersey coast, the massive wave heights of the past week have decreased.

But the National Weather Service says there is still a high risk of rip currents today. That dangerous and life-threatening conditions exist on Monmouth County beaches. Wave heights will be around 3 to 5 feet, with easterly swells of 3 to 4 feet. The ocean water temperature is 69 degrees.

There are very few beaches guarded this late in the season. Island Beach State Park is guarded today, Saturday and Sunday, and that's it for the season. There are a few municipal beaches in Surf City that are also guarded today and on the weekend.

Please do not swim on an unguarded beach. Too many people have died this summer because they did. Never swim alone or at night.

Skies will be sunny today, but temperatures will be cool. The predicted high for today is in the upper 60s. Winds will be from the north at 10 miles per hour, switching over to the west in the afternoon.

The ultraviolet index is a 6, which the National Weather Service considers high. There is no lightning threat today.

Low tide at Belmar rolled in at 8:40 a.m. High tide will arrive a 2:54 p.m., followed by another low tide at 9:30 p.m.

Photo: Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty