Moderate Rip Current Risk, Choppy Seas For Monmouth Beaches Today

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ - The National Weather Service is calling for a moderate risk of rip currents today and choppy seas at Monmouth beaches today.

So be sure to check with your local beach patrols before heading into the water. Never, ever swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. Too many people have died in the ocean this summer. Don't add your name to the list.

Skies will be partly sunny, but there's a chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. There's a moderate threat of lightning, which means thunderstorms are possible. Highs today will be in the mid 80s. Winds will be from the south at 5 to 10 miles per hour, increasing 10 to 15 to miles in the afternoon.

Waves today will be from 3 to 4 feet, with southerly swells of 2 to 3 feet. The ocean water temperature is 75degrees, but that may vary from beach to beach.

The ultraviolet index is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. So slather on the sunscreen or you'll be hurting tonight.

Low tide at Belmar arrived at 5:52 a.m. High tide will roll in at 12:24 p.m., followed by another low tide at 6:29 p.m.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller. Video: Belmar Beach Patrol