Rip Current Risk Increases, But Surf Fairly Calm In Monmouth

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ - Want some relief from today's torrid temperatures? Hit the beach.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory today for the mainland portions of Monmouth County from noon until 7 p.m tonight. Highs today will be in the low to mid 90s. Throw in dewpoints in the lower 70s and you have a scorcher that feels more like 104 degrees.

It won't be quite that hot at the beach. Skies will be mostly sunny and temperatures will be the upper 80s. But even the ocean water is the highest it's been all year, at 77 degrees. Waves will be fairly calm at 2 feet, with light swells. Winds will be from the southwest at 5 miles per hour, becoming south in the afternoon.

The rip current risk is back up to moderate. Always check with your local beach patrol about problem areas. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never, ever swim alone or at night. Too many people have died in the ocean this summer. Don't add your name to the list.

The ultraviolet index is an 8, which the NWS considers very high. So don't forget the sunscreen, or you'll pay for it tonight. There is no lightning threat.
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Low tide at Belmar arrived at 8:52 a.m. High tide will roll in at 3:08 p.m., followed by another low tide at 10 p.m.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller