Jersey Shore Beach Report: 80 Percent Chance Of Sun Saturday

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — Another weekend, more talk of storms ... but will they ruin your beach weekend?

The threat of storms seems to be chasing folks away from the beaches, but for the most part, those storms have not materialized, but instead there's been plenty of sunshine, and only an occasional storm.

Here's a look from Patch at the weekend beach conditions for July 14-16, whether you're looking to just soak up the warmth or take a dip in the ocean.

The National Weather Service is calling for nice weather Friday and Saturday, with highs in the low 80s — a break from the oppressive heat that has plagued most of the week.

Friday will be sunny, with a 50 percent chance of a storm in the afternoon. On Saturday, the chance of a thunderstorm drops to 20 percent — meaning there's an 80 percent chance of a beautiful day. Sunday could be a bit messy, as there's a 70 percent chance of thunderstorms.

If you go to the beach, always listen to the lifeguards' commands. They are there for your safety.

Rip current risk is moderate this weekend, according to the weather service. That means they are likely in the surf zone, so be aware. Related: Rip Currents In NJ: What To Look For, How To Survive Them

THE FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. There could be thunderstorms in the evening and skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday: A slight chance — just 20 percent — of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 15 mph. The chance of storms increases overnight, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy and a low around 75.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, with a 70 percent chance of rain, which could be heavy at times. High temperature near 82. South wind 10 to 15 mph. The chance of storms decreases to 40 percent overnight, with a low temperature of 74 degrees.

Monday-Thursday: Mostly sunny with highs in the low to mid-80s. Slight chance of afternoon storms on Tuesday and Thursday.

Related: 2023 Jersey Shore Beach Guide: Beach Badges And Parking

SURF FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

Friday

Rip Current Risk: Moderate
Surf Height: 2 to 3 feet.
Thunderstorm Potential: High
UV Index: Moderate.
Water Temperature: Low 70s.
Sunrise: 5:37 a.m.
Sunset: 8:27 p.m.

Saturday

Rip Current Risk: Moderate.
Surf Height: 2 to 3 feet.
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate.
UV Index: Moderate.
Water Temperature: Low 70s.
Sunrise: 5:38 a.m.
Sunset: 8:26 p.m.

Sunday

Rip Current Risk: Moderate.
Surf Height: 2 to 3 feet.
Thunderstorm Potential: High.
UV Index: Moderate.
Water Temperature: Low 70s.
Sunrise: 5:38 a.m.
Sunset: 8:25 p.m.

CLINGING JELLYFISH
From the state Department of Environmental Protection

The Metedeconk River in Brick Township continues to be the hotspot for clinging jellyfish. There have been at least two samplings that produced more than 100 of the dime-sized clinging jellyfish. Monitoring in Barnegat Bay continues, as well as farther south by Cape May.

The state Department of Environmental Protection's clinging jellyfish map shows monitoring along the bay side of Island Beach State Park but so far no clinging jellyfish have been found. Paul Bologna, biologist at Montclair State University and an expert on New Jersey's jellyfish, says that even though no clinging jellies have been found, "that does not mean they are not there. Sometimes there is a certain depth of 3-5 feet where they seem to be more abundant."

These tiny creatures can be found in and around submerged aquatic vegetation and algae in back bays and estuaries. Their sting can produce severe pain and other localized symptoms and can result in hospitalization in some people. Anyone wading through these areas, especially near aquatic vegetation, should take precautions, such as wearing boots or waders to protect themselves.

TIDES
From NOAA Tide Predictions

Sandy Hook (at Fort Hancock)

• Friday: Low 11:59 a.m., High 6:22 p.m.
• Saturday: High 6:51 a.m., Low 12:46 p.m., High 7:08 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:38 a.m., Low 1:32 p.m., High 7:50 p.m.

Long Branch Fishing Pier

• Friday: Low 11:23 a.m., High 5:56 p.m.
• Saturday: High 6:25 a.m., Low 12:10 p.m., High 6:42 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:12 a.m., Low 12:56 p.m., High 7:24 p.m.

Belmar

• Friday: Low 11:14 a.m., High 5:47 p.m.
• Saturday: High 6:16 a.m., Low 12:01 p.m., High 6:33 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:03 a.m., Low 12:47 p.m., High 7:15 p.m.

Seaside Heights

• Friday: Low 11:27 a.m., High 5:52 p.m.
• Saturday: High 6:21 a.m., Low 12:14 p.m., High 6:38 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:08 a.m., Low 1 p.m., High 7:20 p.m.

Island Beach, Sedge Islands (inside Barnegat Bay)

• Friday: Low 3:55 p.m., High 9:22 p.m.
• Saturday: High 9:51 a.m., Low 4:42 p.m., High 10:08 p.m.
• Sunday: High 10:38 a.m., Low 5:28 p.m., High 10:50 p.m.

Atlantic City (Ocean)

• Friday: Low 11:34 a.m., High 6:07 p.m.
• Saturday: High 6:33 a.m., Low 12:22 p.m., High 6:53 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:22 a.m., Low 1:07 p.m., High 7:37 p.m.

Wildwood Crest

• Friday: Low 11:43 a.m., High 6:25 p.m.
• Saturday: High 6:47 a.m., Low 12:31 p.m., High 7:09 p.m.
• Sunday: High 7:31 a.m., Low 1:16 p.m., High 7:51 p.m.

Cape May Point, Atlantic Ocean

• Friday: Low 12:31 p.m., High 7:21 p.m.
• Saturday: High 7:46 a.m., Low 1:20 p.m., High 8:07 p.m.
• Sunday: High 8:33 a.m., Low 2:07 p.m., High 8:50 p.m.