Mostly Cloudy Skies, Low Rip Current Risk For Monmouth Beaches

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ - Surf conditions at Monmouth County beaches on the second day of Labor Day weekend have improved, compared to the last several days.

The rip current risk is low. But rips can always occur, anytime, anyplace, especially near jetties and other structures. Check with your local beach patrol to see where the problem areas are. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. The National Weather Service says you should always have a flotation device when you are swimming.

Please remember that many beaches may not be guarded on weekdays or weekends after Labor Day. Patch will put together a list of beaches that will be guarded over September.

Waves today will be 3 feet, gradually dropping to 2 feet in the afternoon. Swells will be from the east at 2 feet. The ocean water temperature is 74 degrees, but that may vary depend on which beach you go to.

"The ocean is still hazardous," according to a post on the Beach Haven Beach Patrol Facebook page. "Please use extreme caution when swimming today. Please swim in designated swim zones and follow all directions from lifeguards."Subscribe

Skies today will be mostly cloudy, with isolated showers and thunderstorms. The high today will be 80 degrees. Winds will be from the southeast winds from 5 to 10 miles per hour. The lightning threat is low, which means there is little chance of thunderstorms.

The ultraviolet index is a 7, which the NWS considers high. So don't forget your sunscreen.

Low tide at Belmar arrived at 6:07 a.m. High tide will roll in at 12:44 p.m., followed by another low tide at 7:17 p.m.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller