Jersey Shore Beach Report: Sun, Some Storms For July 4th Weekend

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — Planning to spend some time at the beach this Fourth of July weekend? Here's a look from Patch at the beach weather for the extended holiday weekend.

Yes, there are some thunderstorms in the forecast, particularly for the evening of July 4th itself, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

The storm possibility is just 20 percent during the day and 40 percent in the evening Thursday, meaning the chance of sunshine and no storms is 80 percent during the day and 60 percent in the evening, according to the forecast.

Water temperatures have warmed slightly after a few weeks of very chilly conditions. Take a look at the forecast for July 4th through July 7.

Rip current risk is low to moderate, 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

Reports of jellyfish have been coming in from up and down the coast in the last couple of weeks, with people reporting stings in the Cape May area and multiple photos of mushroom cap jellyfish shared in the New Jersey Jellyspotters Facebook group.

The state Department of Environmental Protection, which maintains a map showing monitoring for clinging jellyfish, did not have data past mid-June, but there had been multiple spots in the Metedeconk River — in northern Ocean County — where the jellyfish who pack a potent sting have been found.

Paul Bologna, a Montclair State professor and jellyfish expert, has urged bathers and waders to be careful as clinging jellyfish are found around underwater vegetation and are no bigger than the size of a quarter.

"Keep your eyes open and if you see any please let us know!" Bologna said in May.

THE FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

Fourth of July: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. The chance of thunderstorms increases to 40 percent in the evening, particularly after 8 p.m. Some storms could produce heavy rain. Low temperature around 70 degrees.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day and into the evening. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Low around 71. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. Showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday: A chance of showers before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

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

SURF FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

July 4th

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 2-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Mid-60s
Sunrise: 5:31 a.m.
Sunset: 8:30 p.m.

Friday

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 2-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Low
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Mid-60s
Sunrise: 5:31 a.m.
Sunset: 8:30 p.m.

Saturday

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 2-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Low
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Mid-60s
Sunrise: 5:32 a.m.
Sunset: 8:29 p.m.

Sunday

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 1-2 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Low
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Mid-60s
Sunrise: 5:32 a.m.
Sunset: 8:29 p.m.

TIDES
From NOAA Tide Predictions

Sandy Hook (at Fort Hancock)

• July 4th: High 7:13 a.m., Low 1:12 p.m., High 7:32 p.m.
• Friday: High 8:03 a.m., Low 2:03 p.m.
• Saturday: High 8:52 a.m., Low 2:52 p.m.
• Sunday: High 9:39 a.m., Low 3:39 p.m.

Long Branch Fishing Pier

• July 4th: High 6:47 a.m., Low 12:36 p.m., High 7:06 p.m.
• Friday: High 7:37 a.m., Low 1:27 p.m., High 7:52 p.m.
• Saturday: High 8:26 a.m., Low 2:16 p.m.
• Sunday: High 9:13 a.m., Low 3:03 p.m.

Belmar

• July 4th: High 6:38 a.m., Low 12:27 p.m., High 6:57 p.m.
• Friday: High 7:28 a.m., Low 1:18 p.m., High 7:43 p.m.
• Saturday: High 8:17 a.m., Low 2:07 p.m.
• Sunday: High 9:04 a.m., Low 2:54 p.m.

Manasquan Inlet/Point Pleasant Beach

• July 4th: High 7:01 a.m., Low 12:48 p.m., High 7:20 p.m.
• Friday: High 7:51 a.m., Low 1:39 p.m.
• Saturday: High 8:40 a.m., Low 2:28 p.m.
• Sunday: High 9:27 a.m., Low 3:15 p.m.

Seaside Heights

• July 4th: Low 6:43 a.m., High 12:40 p.m., low 7:02 p.m.
• Friday: High 7:33 a.m., Low 1:31 p.m.
• Saturday: High 8:22 a.m., Low 2:20 p.m.
• Sunday: High 9:09 a.m., Low 3:07 p.m.

Island Beach State Park

• July 4th: High 10:17 a.m., Low 4:40 p.m.
• Friday: Low 5:40 a.m., High 11:07 a.m., Low 5:31 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:28 a.m., High 11:56 a.m., Low 6:20 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:13 a.m., Low 12:43 p.m., High 7:07 p.m.

Atlantic City (Ocean)

• July 4th: High 6:55 a.m., Low 12:44 p.m., High 7:16 p.m.
• Friday: High 7:48 a.m., Low 1:34 p.m.
• Saturday: High 8:36 a.m., Low 2:21 p.m.
• Sunday: High 9:20 a.m., Low 3:04 p.m.

Wildwood Crest

• July 4th: High 7:02 a.m., Low 12:51 p.m.
• Friday: High 7:53 a.m., Low 1:40 p.m.
• Saturday: High 8:40 a.m., Low 2:26 p.m.
• Sunday: High 9:25 a.m., Low 3:09 p.m.

Cape May Point, Atlantic Ocean

• July 4th: High 8:04 a.m., Low 1:39 p.m.
• Friday: High 8:56 a.m., Low 2:29 p.m.
• Saturday: High 9:44 a.m., Low 3:17 p.m.
• Sunday: High 10:29 a.m., Low 4:01 p.m.