Jersey Shore Beach Report: Sunshine, Thunderstorms Possible

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — The dog days of summer and the whispers of back-to-school and fall (thanks to all those Halloween candy displays at the stores already — what gives?) may have you thinking about grabbing one more weekend at the beach.

If you're headed to the Shore, it's a mixed bag this weekend. Heat and humidity are on tap, but so is the possibility of thunderstorms. There also is the need to keep an eye on the potential path of Hurricane Ernesto.

One of the biggest concerns is the potential for dangerous rip currents from the hurricane, even if the beaches have clear skies. Beachgoers are reminded to heed the warnings — don't swim where there are no lifeguards and take a look at the water before you go in. Read more about rip currents here: Rip Currents In NJ: What To Look For, How To Survive Them

Here is a look from Patch at the beach conditions for the weekend of Aug. 16-18.

Study Offers Hope For NJ Bay, Lagoon Users

THE FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 80. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 10 mph

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are anticipated to move in overnight, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. At night, mostly cloudy with a low around 70. Showers and thunderstorms are possible. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Monday-Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms Monday are expected to give way to sunshine the rest of the week. Highs near 80 and lows overnight in the mid-60s.

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

SURF FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

Friday

Rip Current Risk: Moderate
Surf Height: 2-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Low 70s
Sunrise: 6:07 a.m.
Sunset: 7:52 p.m.

Saturday

Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 3-5 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Low 70s
Sunrise: 6:08 a.m.
Sunset: 7:51 p.m.

Sunday

Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 3-5 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
UV Index: Very High
Water Temperature: Low 70s
Sunrise: 6:09 a.m.
Sunset: 7:49 p.m.

JELLYFISH

From the state Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Jellyspotters

Jellyfish reports have been fewer in the last week in the New Jersey Jellyspotters Facebook group, but that doesn't mean they've completely disappeared.

If you're planning to wade in the bays or swim in the lagoons over the weekend, be aware that bay nettles are still around.
Paul Bologna, the Montclair State biology professor and jellyfish expert, has offered the following advice for treating jellyfish stings.
He recommends bringing white vinegar when you go to the bay beaches, which can be an immediate treatment for stings:

1. Immediately after the sting, apply vinegar. This stops any stinging cells that have not fired in the tentacles.
2. Rinse the sting area with the salt water you are in (bay or ocean) to gently wash away any tentacles. DO NOT USE BOTTLED WATER to do this, the OSMOTIC SHOCK WILL CAUSE THOSE STINGING CELLS TO FIRE AND CONTINUE TO STING.
3. Take a clean cloth/towel and wipe the area clean.

After, there are various ways to deal with the sting depending upon the severity. Over-the-counter pain medicine, Benadryl type OTC medicines, calamine lotion for itching.
Read up on ways you can address the issues with jellyfish in the bays:'Stop The Sting' Jellyfish

TIDES
From NOAA Tide Predictions

Sandy Hook (at Fort Hancock)

• Friday: High 5:49 p.m.
• Saturday: High 6:22 a.m., Low 12:26 p.m., High 6:44 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:14 a.m., Low 1:21 p.m., High 7:33 p.m.

Long Branch Fishing Pier

• Friday: High 5:23 p.m.
• Saturday: High 5:56 a.m., Low 11:50 a.m., High 6:18 p.m.
• Sunday: High 6:48 a.m., Low 12:45 p.m., High 7:07 p.m.

Belmar

• Friday: High 5:14 p.m.
• Saturday: High 5:47 a.m., Low 11:41 a.m., High 6:09 p.m.
• Sunday: High 6:39 a.m., Low 12:36 p.m., High 6:58 p.m.

Manasquan Inlet/Point Pleasant Beach

• Friday: High 5:37 p.m.
• Saturday: High 6:10 a.m., Low 12:02 p.m., High 6:32 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:02 a.m., Low 12:57 p.m., High 7:21 p.m.

Seaside Heights

• Friday: High 5:19 p.m.
• Saturday: High 5:52 a.m., Low 11:54 a.m., High 6:14 p.m.
• Sunday: High 6:44 a.m., Low 12:49 p.m., High 7:03 p.m.

Island Beach State Park (Sedge Islands)

• Friday: Low 3:27 p.m.
• Saturday: High 9:22 a.m., Low 4:22 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 5:16 a.m., High 10:14 a.m., Low 5:17 p.m.

Atlantic City (Ocean)

• Friday: High 5:31 p.m.
• Saturday: High 5:58 a.m., Low 11:50 a.m., High 6:22 p.m.
• Sunday: High 6:51 a.m., Low 12:46 p.m., High 7:14 p.m.

Wildwood Crest

• Friday: High 5:31 p.m.
• Saturday: High 5:58 a.m., Low 11:50 a.m., High 6:22 p.m.
• Sunday: High 6:51 a.m., Low 12:46 p.m., High 7:14 p.m.

Cape May Point, Atlantic Ocean

• Friday: High 6:39 p.m.
• Saturday: High 7:03 a.m., Low 12:46 p.m., High 7:31 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:56 a.m., Low 1:42 p.m.