Jersey Shore Beach Report: Cloudy With A Chance Of Fun

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — Summer vacation is here at last, and for many folks that means heading to the shore for a more relaxed weekend.

Here's a look from Patch at the weekend beach conditions for June 23-25, 2023, the first official weekend of summer now that the summer solstice is behind us.

Cloudy, rainy skies are forecast to linger through the weekend, though the chance of showers will be less than 50 percent by Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service says thunderstorms are possible through the weekend, so enjoy your outdoor activities — temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-70s — but be prepared if the rain does start or if thunderstorms threaten.

The stormy weather over the past few days increases the risk of rip currents, and that risk will remain moderate through Friday and into Saturday.

The UV index is very high for the weekend, the weather service says, so use your sunscreen.

Related: Rip Currents In NJ: What To Look For, How To Survive Them

THE FORECAST
From the National Weather Service

Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. In the evening, showers and thunderstorms continue to be likely through the wee hours. Low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Showers will remain likely and thunderstorms are possible through 8 a.m., with the chances of both diminishing after 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. In the evening, the chance of showers and thunderstorms will continue, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest 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.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. Sunday evening, the chance of showers and thunderstorms will lessen but clouds will remain. Low around 69.

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: Very high.
Water Temperature: In the mid-60s.
Sunrise: 5:27 a.m.
Sunset: 8:30 p.m.

Saturday

Rip Current Risk: Moderate.
Surf Height: 2 to 3 feet.
Thunderstorm Potential: High.
UV Index: Very High.
Water Temperature: Mid-60s.
Sunrise: 5:27 a.m.
Sunset: 8:30 p.m.

Sunday

Rip Current Risk: Low.
Surf Height: 2 to 3 feet.
Thunderstorm Potential: High.
UV Index: Very High.
Water Temperature: Mid-60s.
Sunrise: 5:28 a.m.
Sunset: 8:30 p.m.

CLINGING JELLYFISH
From the state Department of Environmental Protection

More surveillance has been done on Barnegat Bay and its tributaries ahead of the June 23-25 weekend, 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.

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 12:34 p.m., Low 6:05 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:49 a.m., High 1:19 p.m., Low 6:54 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 7:33 a.m., High 2:01 p.m., Low 7:53 p.m.

Long Branch Fishing Pier

• Friday: High 12:08 p.m., Low 5:29 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:13 a.m., High 12:53 p.m., Low 6:18 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 6:57 a.m., High 1:35 p.m., Low 7:17 p.m.

Belmar

• Friday: High 11:59 a.m., Low 5:20 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:04 a.m., High 12:44 p.m., Low 6:09 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 6:48 a.m., High 1:26 p.m., Low 7:08 p.m.

Seaside Heights

• Friday: High 12:04 p.m., Low 5:33 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:17 a.m., High 12:49 p.m., Low 6:22 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 7:01 a.m., High 1:31 p.m., Low 7:21 p.m.

Island Beach, Sedge Islands (inside Barnegat Bay)

• Friday: Low 9:37 a.m., High 3:38 p.m., Low 9:33 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 10:17 a.m., High 4:23 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 11:01 a.m., High 5:05 p.m.

Atlantic City (Ocean)

• Friday: High 12:03 p.m., Low 5:41 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:40 a.m., High 12:48 p.m., Low 6:31 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 7:18 a.m., High 1:33 p.m., Low 7:23 p.m.

Wildwood Crest

• Friday: High 11:57 a.m., Low 5:46 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 6:43 a.m., High 12:43 p.m., Low 6:40 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 7:25 a.m., High 1:32 p.m., Low 7:35 p.m.

Cape May Point, Atlantic Ocean

• Friday: High 1:05 p.m., Low 6:44 p.m.
• Saturday: Low 7:35 a.m., High 1:49 p.m., Low 7:34 p.m.
• Sunday: Low 8:16 a.m., High 2:35 p.m., Low 8:26 p.m.