It seems like we've waited forever for warm weather and the feeling of summer in 2026 at the Jersey Shore. Two big snowstorms, bitterly cold days ... it was a long winter, even for those of us who like snow.
Memorial Day weekend is always seen as the unofficial start of summer, with people flocking to the beaches to soak in the warmth and sunshine. Both may be fleeting this weekend, however.
Here is a look from Patch at the beach forecast for Memorial Day weekend.
The National Weather Service is calling for showers and high temperatures in the low to mid-60s through Monday, meaning you will need sweatshirts or jackets and rain gear if you want to sit on the beach.
Related: 2026 Jersey Shore Beach Badge Guide: See Season Passes, Price Changes
There also is a high risk of rip currents, so if you insist on going in the water, which is still very cold, 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: The early part of the season can bring with clinging jellyfish in the bays. Paul Bologna, the Montclair State biology professor and jellyfish expert, has noted in the New Jersey Jellyspotters Facebook group that some clinging jellyfish have been found in sampling in the northern part of Barnegat Bay, where they have been found in past years. Because of that, people should be careful about wading particularly in areas with lots of vegetation, where the clinging jellyfish are found.
If you're headed to the beach, bring some white vinegar and some calamine lotion to treat jellyfish stings. Bologna's tips: 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.
THE FORECAST
From the National Weather Service
Friday: Slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Breezy, with an east wind around 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. In the evening, a slight chance of rain before 10 p.m, then a chance of rain after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 52.
Saturday: Rain, mainly after 9 a.m. High near 58. Breezy, with an east wind 20 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Rain is expected to continue through the evening along with the wind. Low temperatures around 54.
Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 p.m., then showers likely between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., with thunderstorms possible after 5 p.m. High near 65. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. Showers and thunderstorms remain likely Sunday night, with a low temperature aroudn 57 degrees.
Memorial Day: Showers likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Tuesday-Thursday: The clouds begin to move out on Tuesday and high temperatures should rise above 70 degrees during the day, with clouds around in the evenings.
SURF FORECAST
From the National Weather Service
Friday
Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 2-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
UV Index: High
Water Temperature: Upper 50s
Sunrise: 5:32 a.m.
Sunset: 8:12 p.m.
Saturday
Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 3-5 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
UV Index: High
Water Temperature: Upper 50s
Sunrise: 5:32 a.m.
Sunset: 8:13 p.m.
Sunday
Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 2-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
UV Index: High
Water Temperature: Upper 50s
Sunrise: 5:31 a.m.
Sunset: 8:14 p.m.
Monday
Rip Current Risk: High
Surf Height: 2-3 feet
Thunderstorm Potential: None
UV Index: High
Water Temperature: Upper 50s
Sunrise: 5:30 a.m.
Sunset: 8:15 p.m.
TIDES
From NOAA Tide Predictions
Sandy Hook (at Fort Hancock)
Long Branch Fishing Pier
Belmar
Manasquan Inlet/Point Pleasant Beach
Seaside Heights
Island Beach State Park (Sedge Islands)
Atlantic City (Ocean)
Wildwood Crest
Cape May Point, Atlantic Ocean
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