If you've been craving a day at the beach, this could be a good weekend to get one in.
Like many weekends this summer, we have the potential for some showers at the beaches of the Jersey Shore, but the National Weather Service says that possibility is less than it has been.
Here is a look from Patch at the beach forecast for the Aug. 7-9 weekend, including the latest on rip currents and jellyfish sightings and when the high tides might interfere with your spot on the beach.
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THE FORECAST
From the National Weather Service
Friday: Sunshine should dominate most of the day with high temperatures in the upper 80s. South winds of 5 to 15 mph. There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. At night, a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday: The day will open with some fog but the day should clear quickly with temperatures rising to the upper 80s. South winds from 10 to 15 mph should keep things comfortable. There is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7 p.m. and it will be cloudy through the night, with a low around 76 degrees. Southwest wind at 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday: Sunshine all day will push the high temperature close to 90 degrees. A slight west wind of 5 to 10 mph should help. Overnight a low around 75 degrees and clear skies.
Monday-Thursday: Sunshine most of the week but showers are possible midweek. Highs in the mid- to upper 80s.
RIP CURRENTS: There is a low risk of rip currents, only go in where there are lifeguards present. Do not swim after hours. Read up on what to look for to identify rip currents: Rip Currents In NJ: What To Look For, How To Survive Them
JELLYFISH: Sea lice reports have been coming in from Barnegat Bay. In the New Jersey Jellyspotters Facebook group people have shared they are encountering them in significant numbers, along with bay nettles. They have been seen in Sandy Hook bay waters as well, and commenters have said the usual preventatives have not been as effective as usual.
Paul Bologna, the jellyfish expert and director of the marine biology program at Montclair State University, offers these tips for treating jellyfish stings: Apply white vinegar immediately. This stops any stinging cells that have not fired in the tentacles. Rinse the sting area with the salt water you are in to wash away tentacles. "Do not use bottled water to rinse as osmotic shock will cause stinging cells left behind to fire and continue to sting," he says. Wipe the area clean with a clean towel or cloth. Benadryl or calamine lotion can help with itching, and over-the-counter pain medicines can be used for pain from the stings depending on the severity.
SURF FORECAST
From the National Weather Service
Friday
Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 1-2 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Low
UV Index: Very high
Water Temperature: Low 70s
Sunrise: 5:58 a.m.
Sunset: 8:05 p.m.
Saturday
Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 1-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: Low
UV Index: High
Water Temperature: Low 70s
Sunrise: 5:59 a.m.
Sunset: 8:03 p.m.
Sunday
Rip Current Risk: Low
Surf Height: 1-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
UV Index: Very high
Water Temperature: Low 70s
Sunrise: 6 a.m.
Sunset: 8:02 p.m.
TIDES
From NOAA Tide Predictions
Sandy Hook (at Fort Hancock)
Long Branch Fishing Pier
Belmar
Manasquan Inlet/Point Pleasant Beach
Seaside Heights
Barnegat Inlet
Atlantic City (Ocean)
Longport/Ocean City
Strathmere
Wildwood Crest
Cape May Point, Atlantic Ocean
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