Jersey Shore Beach Report: A Hot Weekend With Storms Possible

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — The soaring heat index is expected to make for a stifling weekend across New Jersey, which may be good reason to head to the beach. Just be on the lookout for thunderstorms, forecasters say.

This look from Patch at the beach conditions for the weekend of Aug. 2-4 is a bit of a mixed bag. The National Weather Service is calling for somewhat cooler temperatures at the beaches — extreme heat warnings are in effect inland on Friday — but the combination of the heat and humidity raises the possibility of storms in the afternoons.

Rip current risk is low this weekend, according to the weather service.

Related: Rip Currents In NJ: What To Look For, How To Survive Them

JELLYFISH
From the state Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Jellyspotters

If you're planning to wade in the bays or swim in the lagoons over the weekend, be aware that bay nettles are out in force.

Paul Bologna, the Montclair State biology professor and jellyfish expert, said the nettles are blooming right now. Their sting is generally mild compared with many other jellyfish, but can be painful if there are multiple stings.

Comb jellyfish — which are harmless but glow in the dark when they are disturbed in the water —also are around. They are food for the bay nettles, so seeing comb jellyfish is a good indication that bay nettles are around.

Bologna has offered the following advice in the New Jersey Jellyspotters Facebook group for treating jellyfish stings, starting with a recommendation to bring white vinegar when you go to the bay beaches:

A basic treatment protocol:

1. Immediately after the sting, apply vinegar. This stops any stinging cells that have not fired in the tentacles.
2. Rinse the sting area with the salt water you are in (bay or ocean) to gently wash away any tentacles. DO NOT USE BOTTLED WATER to do this, the OSMOTIC SHOCK WILL CAUSE THOSE STINGING CELLS TO FIRE AND CONTINUE TO STING.
3. Take a clean cloth/towel and wipe the area clean.

After, there are various ways to deal with the sting depending upon the severity. Over-the-counter pain medicine, Benadryl type OTC medicines, calamine lotion for itching.

Read up on ways you can address the issues with jellyfish in the bays:'Stop The Sting' Jellyfish Study Offers Hope For NJ Bay, Lagoon Users

THE FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

Friday: Partly sunny during the day with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 15 mph. In the evening, a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Low temperature around 74.

Saturday: Mostly sunny with a high near 83 and a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 2 p.m. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of showers and thunderstorms is 60 percent in the evening. Rain likely after 11 p.m. and thunderstorms continue to be possible throughout the night. Low around 72.

Sunday: Partly sunny with a high near 81. The chance of showers and thunderstorms is 60 percent, with showers likely after 2 p.m. Showers and thunderstorms remain possible through the evening and overnight hours. Low around 72 Sunday night.

Monday-Thursday: Sunny Monday, but the chance of showers and thunderstorms returns Tuesday through Thursday. Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s during the day and lows in the low 70s.

Related: 2024 Jersey Shore Beach Guide: Beach Badges, Town Curfews

SURF FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

Friday

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 1-2 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Low 70s
Sunrise: 5:54 a.m.
Sunset: 8:10 p.m.

Saturday

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 2-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Low 70s
Sunrise: 5:55 a.m.
Sunset: 8:09 p.m.

Sunday

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 2-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Low 70s
Sunrise: 5:56 a.m.
Sunset: 8:08 p.m.

TIDES
From NOAA Tide Predictions

Sandy Hook (at Fort Hancock)

• Friday: Low 12:56 p.m., High 7:17 p.m.
• Saturday: High 7:47 a.m., Low 1:45 p.m., High 8:01 p.m.
• Sunday: High 8:31 a.m., Low 2:32 p.m., High 8:42 p.m.

Long Branch Fishing Pier

• Friday: Low 12:20 p.m., High 6:51 p.m.
• Saturday: High 7:21 a.m., Low 1:09 p.m., High 7:35 p.m.
• Sunday: High 8:05 a.m., Low 1:56 p.m., High 8:16 p.m.

Belmar

• Friday: Low 12:11 p.m., High 6:42 p.m.
• Saturday: High 7:12 a.m., Low 1 p.m., High 7:26 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:56 a.m., Low 1:47 p.m., High 8:07 p.m.

Manasquan Inlet/Point Pleasant Beach

• Friday: Low 12:32 p.m., High 7:05 p.m.
• Saturday: High 7:35 a.m., Low 1:21 p.m., High 7:49 p.m.
• Sunday: High 8:19 a.m., Low 2:08 p.m., High 8:30 p.m.

Seaside Heights

• Friday: Low 12:24 p.m., High 6:47 p.m.
• Saturday: High 7:17 a.m., Low 1:13 p.m., High 7:31 p.m.
• Sunday: High 8:01 a.m., Low 2 p.m., High 8:12 p.m.

Island Beach State Park (Sedge Islands)

• Friday: Low 4:52 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 5:48 a.m., High 10:47 a.m., Low 5:41 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 6:33 a.m., High 11:31 a.m., Low 6:28 p.m.

Atlantic City (Ocean)

• Friday: Low 12:30 p.m., High 7:02 p.m.
• Saturday: High 7:32 a.m., Low 1:19 p.m., High 7:47 p.m.
• Sunday: High 8:17 a.m., Low 2:04 p.m., High 8:28 p.m.

Wildwood Crest

• Friday: Low 12:40 p.m., High 7:17 p.m.
• Saturday: High 7:40 a.m., Low 1:28 p.m., High 8:01 p.m.
• Sunday: High 8:23 a.m., Low 2:11 p.m.

Cape May Point, Atlantic Ocean

• Friday: Low 1:26 p.m., High 8:14 p.m.
• Saturday: High 8:41 a.m., Low 2:16 p.m.
• Sunday: High 9:24 a.m., Low 3:02 p.m.