Chilly Ocean Temps, Cloudy Skies At Ocean County Beaches

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - Summer is little more than a week away. But you wouldn't know it to look at today's beach forecast.

The National Weather Service is calling for mostly cloudy skies until 5 p.m., until the sun actually makes an appearance. But highs today will only be in the lower 60s, not exactly beach weather. Winds will be brisk, from the northeast at 15 to 20 miles per hour.

The lightning threat is low, which means there is little chance of thunderstorms. There's a moderate risk of rip currents. Most beaches are still not guarded this early in the season. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night.

Wave heights will be from 4 to 5 feet, with easterly swells of 4 to 5 feet. The ultraviolet index is a 3, which the NWS considers moderate. But don't plan on getting much of a tan today.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 6:09 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 12:19 p.m., followed by another high tide at 6:33 p.m.

Photo: by Patricia A. Miller