Rip Current Risk Drops For The First Time In Weeks At MC Beaches

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ - Head to the beach today if you can. Summer will be gone before you know it.

The risk of rip currents has dropped and wave heights will be lower today than they have been for more than a week, according to the National Weather Service.

Just remember that rip currents can still occur anytime, especially near jetties and other structures. You should still check with your local beach patrol about any problem areas. The NWS advises you always bring a flotation device with you in the water.

Waves will start out at 3 feet high, dropping to 2 feet in the afternoon. Swells will be from the south at 2 feet, becoming light later in the day. The ocean water temperature is 76 degrees, but that could vary from beach to beach.

Skies will be sunny, with highs in the lower 80s. Winds will be from the northwest at 5 miles per hour, becoming southwest in the afternoon. There is no lightning threat today.
SubscribeThe ultraviolet index is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. So don't forget the sunscreen.

Low tide at Belmar arrived at 7:43 a.m. High tide will roll in at 2:07 p.m., followed by another low tide at 8:55 p.m.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller