Ocean County Beach Report: Rough Surf Ahead In Coming Days As Hurricane Jose Lurks Offshore

The National Weather Service is calling for partly sunny skies today at Ocean County beaches with a slight chance of showers.

Highs will be in the upper 70s, with southwest winds of 5 miles per hour, switching over the south in the afternoon.

There's a moderate risk of rip currents today. Waves will be around 3 feet, with southeasterly swells. Wave heights and rip currents are expected to increase when Hurricane Jose remains offshore early next week.

"The strength and frequency of rip currents will increase at a time when many lifeguards are no longer on duty and people may head to the beach to take advantage of building warmth," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

The ocean water temperature is 72 degrees.

There are a few beaches still guarded in Ocean County on weekends, but not many. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. The NWS suggests you bring a flotation device with you if you go in the water.

The ultraviolet index is a 6, which the NWS considers high. The lightning threat today is low, which means there is little change of thunderstorms.

Low tide at Barnegat Inlet will roll in at 10:11 a.m. High tide will arrive at 4:19 p.m., followed by another low tide at 11:09 p.m.

Photo: Patch file photo.