Jersey Shore Beach Report: Sunshine, Mostly Clear Skies, Calm Waves

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — The Fourth of July has given way to some hot, hazy days inland, sending many people to the beach to seek some relief.

Here's a look from Patch at the weekend beach conditions for July 7-9, 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 near 90 degrees. As has been the case for several weeks, there is a chance of thunderstorms over the weekend. On Saturday, the possibility is 30 percent — meaning there's a 70 percent chance of sunshine and clear skies. Sunday is when your time on the sand could be disrupted, with a 60 percent chance of storms. That could change — as we've seen the last few weekends, the thunderstorms haven't always materialized the way it appeared they would.

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

Rip current risk is low this weekend, according to the weather service. That means they are less likely, but you should always 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 5 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Friday night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Sunday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 11 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Monday-Thursday: The extended forecast is calling for rain on Monday, but sunny and warm with high temperatures around 80 the rest of the week.

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

SURF FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

Friday

Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 2 to 3 feet.
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate
UV Index: Very high.
Water Temperature: In the low 70s.
Sunrise: 5:32 a.m.
Sunset: 8:30 p.m.

Saturday

Rip Current Risk: Low.
Surf Height: 2 to 3 feet.
Thunderstorm Potential: Moderate.
UV Index: Very High.
Water Temperature: Low 70s.
Sunrise: 5:32 a.m.
Sunset: 8:29 p.m.

Sunday

Rip Current Risk: Low.
Surf Height: 2 to 3 feet.
Thunderstorm Potential: High.
UV Index: Very High.
Water Temperature: Low 70s.
Sunrise: 5:33 a.m.
Sunset: 8:29 p.m.

CLINGING JELLYFISH
From the state Department of Environmental Protection

The number of spots showing clinging jellyfish in the Metedeconk River in Brick Township continues to expand, with counts of 30 or 40 or more. Monitoring in Barnegat Bay continues, and there is a growing number of spots in the Metedeconk River in Brick where the dime-sized clinging jellyfish have been found in significant numbers.

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: High 12:02 p.m., Low 6:04 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:39 a.m., High 1 p.m., Low 7:05 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 7:33 a.m., High 1:54 p.m., Low 8:11 p.m.

Long Branch Fishing Pier

• Friday: High 11:36 a.m., Low 5:28 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:03 a.m., High 12:34 p.m., Low 6:29 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 6:57 a.m., High 1:28 p.m., Low 7:35 p.m.

Belmar

• Friday: High 11:27 a.m., Low 5:19 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 5:54 a.m., High 12:25 p.m., Low 6:20 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 6:48 a.m., High 1:19 p.m., Low 7:26 p.m.

Seaside Heights

• Friday: High 11:32 a.m., Low 5:32 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:07 a.m., High 12:30 p.m., Low 6:33 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 7:01 a.m., High 1:24 p.m., Low 7:39 p.m.

Island Beach, Sedge Islands (inside Barnegat Bay)

• Friday: Low 9:45 a.m., High 3:02 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 10:35 a.m., High 4 p.m.,
• Sunday: Low 11:29 a.m., High 4:54 p.m.

Atlantic City (Ocean)

• Friday: High 11:36 a.m., Low 5:34 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:19 a.m., High 12:33 p.m., Low 6:37 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 7:11 a.m., High 1:30 p.m., Low 7:41 p.m.

Wildwood Crest

• Friday: High 11:39 a.m., Low 5:36 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:26 a.m., High 12:38 p.m., Low 6:40 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 7:19 a.m., High 1:39 p.m., Low 7:47 p.m.

Cape May Point, Atlantic Ocean

• Friday: High 12:43 p.m., Low 6:28 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 7:15 a.m., High 1:40 p.m., Low 7:32 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 8:08 a.m., High 2:38 p.m., Low 8:37 p.m.