Thursday, June 30, 2022

June's Leaving Us With A Beauty

Mornin'!  This is it June... you're ending on a very good note with a beautiful day ahead. The Blog's running on the late side this morning as grocery store shopping took priority.  I could write a Blog just about the experience.  Let's just say that at 7am it was thick... very, very thick.  After rubbing elbows with all those shoppers trying to avoid that intense shopping experience like me, I got home, closed up the house and put the AC on as it's very obvious that this holiday weekend is on and full speed ahead.  I need quiet and solace after that one as I'm shutting the intensity out.  So, on to the weather... it's currently 79° (humidity's 80% with a dew point of 69°), sunny, with breezes out of the W-NW at 5-10mph.  It'll be bright, sunny day with temps in the mid-upper 80s and SW winds at 10-15mph.  Tonight... clear skies, temps in the low-70s and S-SW winds at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... mostly sunny, temps around 80° and breezy... winds out of the S-SW at 15-25mph.  At this time, the weekend's looking like this... Saturday: partly sunny with showers by late afternoon (50% chance), temps around 80°.  Sunday: 40% chance of scattered showers all day, temps around 75°.  Monday: sunny with temps tapping 80°.  Thanks for the lovely month June... until next year, see ya on the other side!
High Tide: 9:47AM
Low Tide: 3:20PM
Ocean Temp: 69°
Sunrise: 5:36AM
Sunset: 8:30PM
UV Index: 9.3 (very high)
Rip Currents: Low Risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,484,841
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 35,036
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,610
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 310

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

The End Of June Is Upon Us

Mornin'!  It's 66° in Wildwood NJ.  Only a couple more days in June left.  It's a pretty morning.  Humidity's 85% with a dew point of 61°.  Breezes are light out of the W-SW at 2-5mph. We're under partly cloudy skies as Ms Sun's up and not only peeking through the morning clouds, but she's painting the sky every pastel shade imaginable.  Add to that all the island birds now breaking the morning silence with chirping, squawking and singing everywhere.  It's really nice.  It'll be a mainly sunny day as the clouds head on out.  Temps will be in the upper 70s with SW winds at 10-15mph becoming South this evening.  Tonight... clear to partly cloudy, temps in the upper 60s and Southerly winds at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... mainly sunny, temps in the low-80s and SW winds at 10-15mph.  At this time, the holiday weekend is looking "eh".  Saturday's looking like 60% chance of rain by the afternoon right through the day into the evening. Temps will be in the upper 70s / low 80s.  And, Sunday looks like 40% chance of rain during the earlier part of the day with the clouds checking out by the afternoon / early evening.  Temps will be in the mid-70s.  For Monday (the 4th of July), we should see Ms Sun for the most part as it'll be mostly sunny with temps in the upper 70s.
High Tide: 9:06AM
Low Tide: 2:39PM
Ocean Temp: 69°
Sunrise: 5:35AM
Sunset: 8:30PM
UV Index: 9.1 (very high)
Rip Current: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,481,697
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 35,023
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,585
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 310

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

New Moon Tuesday

Today's WebCam - Marsh side in North Wildwood
Mornin'!  It's 67° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's 72% with a dew point of 59°.  There are lovely breezes out of the North at 10-15mph filling my home with salt air.  We're being surrounded by some big cumulus clouds as Ms Sun's peeking around them in the beautiful blue sky every now and then.  It has that almost cloudy-day feel to it.  It's a much less humid, breezy, cool, comfortable morning than yesterday as the island birds are welcoming the day.  Late yesterday afternoon, we had some thunder-boomers bringing the downpours as everything not only got watered here on the island, but there was some serious street flooding.  Today's "New Moon" was helping with that flooding for sure as the tides are much higher than usual this time of the month.  For today... expect lots of sunshine, temps in the mid-upper 70s and N-NE winds shifting to the South at 10-15mph.  Tonight... partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight.  Temps will drop in the mid-60s again with SW winds at 5-10mph.  Tomorrow... a somewhat cloudy morning will give way to a mainly sunny afternoon with temps tapping 80° and S-SW winds kicking up at 10-20mph. 
High Tide: 8:25AM
Low Tide: 1:57PM
Sunrise: 5:35AM
Sunset: 8:30PM
Ocean Temp: 69°
UV Index: 9.3 (very high)
Rip Current: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,478,068
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 35,007
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,545
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 310

Monday, June 27, 2022

Wet - Windbreaker Monday

Mornin'!  It's 69° in Wildwood NJ.  We're very damp as the humidity's 93% with a dew point of 69°.  We've got a hazy sky with a big ol' orange sun trying to break through that haze.  Winds are stiff out of the S-SW at 10-20mph +gusting.  Everything is slightly damp in my home as the windows are opened and allowing the blustery, damp sea breeze inside.   As the morning progresses the clouds will eventually take over the skies and bring with them scattered rain and thunderstorms becoming more widespread by this afternoon.  The gusty winds will pick up even more.  Temps will hover around 78°.  Chance of rain is 90% (pack your windbreaker).  Tonight... rain and stiff winds will be ending by late tonight as temps drop back into the low-mid 60s.  West winds will be much calmer at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds, temps in the mid-70s and North winds shifting to the South at 10-15mph.  The "New Moon" is tomorrow which means swollen, more intense tides. Note where the low-lying, more apt to flood areas are on the island when parking or traversing around town.  It's not good for your vehicles (including bicycles) to drive through flood waters as it's corrosive salt water.  Oh... remember too that the tide times are an hour later on the back side of the island.  If the ocean high tide is at 8AM, then the back-bay/marsh area high tide is at 9AM. 
High Tides: 7:41AM and 7:34PM
Low Tide: 1:14PM
Ocean Temp: 68°
Sunrise: 5:35AM
Sunset: 8:30PM
UV Index: 3 (low)
Rip Current: Moderate (only swim near a life guard when the current is this intense).
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,476,559
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 35,004
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,530
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 310 

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Perfectly Lovely Sunday

Mornin'!  It's 71° in Wildwood NJ.  The Sun is shining in a cloudless sky.  Breezes are out of the SW at 8-10mph.  It's a stunning morning down the Shore.  The island birds can attest to that as they're all loud and clear in the neighborhood.  It's going to be a beauty today with plentiful sunshine, temps just around 80° with South winds.  Today's winds will be the challenge as they'll be blowing at 10-20mph out of the South.  Pack a bungee for your umbrella if going to the beach.  Tonight... partly clear, temps in the upper 60s with South winds at 10-20mph.  Tomorrow... rain likely (80% chance) with a high of 76° and SW winds at 10-20mph. 
High Tide: 6:55AM
Low Tide: 12:30PM
Sunrise: 5:34AM
Sunset: 8:30PM
Ocean Temp: 67°
UV Index: 9.6 (very high)
Rip Current: Moderate: which means only swim near a life guard, never alone, never a night.
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,473,957
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 35,002
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,511
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 310

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Last Saturday Of June

Mornin'!  It's 67° in Wildwood NJ.  I'm back!  It's nice to be back down the Shore.  But being up in the mountains for a few days with dear old friends was even better.  I'm enjoying a lovely morning while sitting right next to the open windows listening to the seagulls squawking throughout the neighborhood.  It's going to be a lovely last weekend of June.  It's currently humid (93% humidity) with sunny skies and some of those wispy clouds.  Winds are barely there out of the W-SW at 5-7mph.  You can expect mostly sunshine today with a little mix of clouds.  Humidity will drop as temps rise and tap 80° with SW winds at 10-15mph.  Tonight... partly cloudy, temps in the mid-upper 60s with humidity rising again and SW winds at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... mainly sunny, temps around 75° and winds kicked up a bit out of the South at 15-25mph.  
High Tide: 6:05AM and 6:30PM
Low Tide: 11:47AM
Sunrise: 5:34AM
Sunset: 8:30PM
UV Index: Very High (9.4)
Rip Current: Moderate risk (If you're planning to enter the surf, the current will be very stiff. You should be swimming in the sight of a life guard first and never swim alone or at night.)
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,470,738
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,994
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,478
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 310

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

First Day Of Summer 2022

Mornin'!  Summer's here!  That came fast.  It comes right now at 5:14AM.  AKA... the Summer Solstice, today is the longest day of the year at 15 hours long.  It's 63° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's 89% with 57° dew point.  We're under some cloud cover as Ms Sun has begun lighting and painting those clouds in the sky some exquisite shades of pinks and corals.  Winds are out of the W-SW at 2-4mph.  It'll eventually become a mostly cloudy day with temps in the mid-upper 70s and W-SW winds at 5-8mph.  There's a 40% chance of a rain shower but that's more towards the late afternoon.  Tonight... cloudy with 40% chance of rain showers, temps in the low-70s and Southerly breezes at 8-11mph.  For tomorrow... expect considerable cloudiness along with 60% chance of occasional rain showers in the afternoon / early evening.  Temps will be in the low-mid 70s. And it'll be very breezy... S-SE winds at 15-25mph.  Tomorrow night... 60% chance of rain showers with temps in the upper 60s with SE winds at 10-20mph.  I'm taking leave of the Blog until Friday or maybe even Saturday as some very longtime, dear friends are in my summer plans this week.  If you need the weather in Wildwood just click on "Weather - Wunderground" under my Personal Favs and type in Wildwood or our zip code (08260).  If you need those Friday "beach tips", just look at any of my Friday blogs and they'll always be there.  I've already been observing folks on the beach around me looking clueless and in trouble. If only they had read my "tips".  Play it safe and Happy Summer!
High Tide: 3:06PM
Low Tide: 8:32AM
Sunrise: 5:33AM
Sunset: 8:30PM
Ocean Temp: 69°
UV Index: Low - 4.0
Rip Currents: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,457,797
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,940
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,371
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 309

Monday, June 20, 2022

Last Day Of Spring!

Mornin'!  It's 58° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's 60% with a dewpoint of 47°.  Ms Sun's up and shining brightly and breaking through some wispy, morning clouds.  Breezes are out of the N-NW at 7-10mph.  It's a perfect Spring morning.  We're about to say "adios" to Spring though as Summer begins tomorrow.  It'll be a lovely spring day with plenty of sunshine along with some cloud cover.  Perfect for Wildwood's annual Marble Championship.  The "Mibsters" are in town!  Temps will be in the upper 70s with W-NW winds at 10-15mph.  Tonight... partly cloudy, temps in the low-60s and SW winds at 5-10mph.  Tomorrow... mainly cloudy with 20% chance of a rain shower, temps in the mid-upper 70s and SW winds at 5-10mph.  Until March 20th, 2023... see you next year Spring!
High Tide: 2:11PM
Low Tide: 7:34AM
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:30PM
Ocean Temp: 70°
UV Index: 8 (high)
Rip Current: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,456,359
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,929
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,363
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 309

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Happy Father's Day!














Mornin'!  Happy Father's Day!  To my better half and one of the best fathers ever!  A huge high-five on the parenting!  This blog is for you!  I love you.  And, it's also the 19th of June... Happy Juneteenth!  It's 60° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's 50% with a dewpoint of 42°.  It's sunny with stiff breezes out of the N-NW at 15-20mph +gusting.  It's feeling a lot like an Autumn morning for sure.  It'll be a beauty today with plentiful sunshine and temps in the upper 70s.  Those NW winds are staying checked in at 15-20mph +gusting.  Tonight... mostly clear with temps in the upper 50s and North winds at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... mostly sunny, temps barely tapping 80° and West winds at 5-10mph (pack the insect repellent if going to the beach with West winds as the Greenhead (biting) Flies will most likely be waiting for you.  They know the drill.  
High Tide: 1:16PM
Low Tide: 6:56PM
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:29PM
Ocean Temp: 70°
UV Index: 10 (high)
Rip Currents: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,453,982
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,927
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,337
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 308

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Breezy Saturday

Mornin'!  It's 74° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's low at 63% with a dewpoint of 60°.  Ms Sun is shining brightly in the deep, blue, cloudless sky.  And, winds are out of the NW at 15-20mph.  It's perfectly lovely outside.  It'll be a beauty this Father's Day weekend.  It'll be partly sunny today with temps in the mid-70s with NW winds at 20-30mph.  By the way, yesterday we reached 94°!  Wildwood and Cape May had those isolated thunder-boomers and rain showers yesterday afternoon getting a nice watering.  Apparently, no one else around us got any of that rain.  A cool-front, obviously then came through that we're enjoying at the moment as well as the entire weekend.  Tonight... clearing, temps down into the upper 50s with N-NW winds at 15-25mph.  Tomorrow... sunny, temps in the mid-70s and NW winds at 15-25mph and cool temps in the upper 50s are on tap again for tomorrow night.   There's lots going on this weekend in Wildwood.  https://wildwoodsnj.com/events-calendar/  The Bare-Foot Country Music Fest is bringing the visitors as the island is jammed packed.  And, I mean "jammed".  You'd think it was 4th of July weekend. 
High Tide: 12:17PM
Low Tide: 5:55PM
Ocean Temp: 69°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:29PM
UV Index: 6 (moderate)
Rip Current: Low Risk 

Friday, June 17, 2022

First Hot One This Year

Mornin'!  It's 68° in Wildwood NJ.  We've got some summer haze in the morning sky.  Ms Sun's there but hidden ever so slightly by the thick haze hovering over the island.  It's moist outside. Humidity's 99% with a 69° dewpoint.  Breezes are barely there out of the SW at 3-6mph.  Even though summer's not for a few more days, it'll be the first "hot one" this year with temps heading into the 90s today as Ms Sun intends to heat up the island.  Those warm W-SW winds will ramp up a bit at 10-20mph.  And, there's a 15-20% chance of a pop-up rain shower.  Tonight... clear, back down to where we are now... upper 60s with NW winds at 10-15mph. Tomorrow... a mix as it'll start out sunny, become cloudy in the afternoon, then clear up and become sunny in time for sunset.  It'll be a breezy day as temps will be much cooler than today with a high of 70°.  As for Sunday... sunny, high of 75° and still breezy.  The island has become a bit crammed with visitors and the Barefoot Country Music Festival Fans as I'm sure more onslaught of folk are arriving today and tomorrow.  It's happening baby!  Since I live about 10 blocks from this beach festival, believe me when I tell you, the music was booming last night and loud and clear in my home (from 4pm until 11:30pm).  I've relented and threw the air-conditioner switch "on" to not only block out the noise, but to see if it's still working as today will be the perfect test with some heat on the weather menu. Pack your hat, sunblock and plenty of water if heading out today. 
High Tide: 11:17AM
Low Tide: 4:59PM
Ocean Temp: 69°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:29PM
UV Index: Very high (9.5)
Rip Current: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases: 2,451,377
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,921
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,310
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 308

And, it's Friday and you know what that means...

Friday Beach Etiquette and Tips:

*Stuff to pack for the beach - shoes. Always wear footwear as the beach sand is extremely hot. Don't forget the kids... insist they wear something on their feet.  I pack bottled water, a spray bottle of water for you never know what, a hat, footwear, towel, sunblock, insect repellent (in case the winds shift from the west (land breeze) those "West winds" bring the biting green head flies), first aid kit (I include a tiny bottle of vinegar for jelly fish stings just in case), shade (umbrella, canopy of some type), a bungee cord to secure your umbrella for those windy days, something to read, sanitizing wipes or wet washcloth, a small trash bag to collect the trash you may accumulate. I always pack my crocheting project as I find crocheting on the beach very relaxing.  Some of my best baby blankets are full of briny yarn!  
*When setting up your spot (campsite) at the beach, give those around you a little courtesy and not set up too close to them.  It's always amazing to watch arriving folk completely unaware of their actions as they begin setting up their umbrella, blanket and chair only inches away from folks settled in.  Most beaches are huge (with the exception of North Wildwood) and there are blocks and blocks of available, open beach space yet it sometimes feels like new arrivals seek out people to sit nearby.  It happens more often than not and I have yet to figure out this strange phenomenon. There's plenty of beach to go round.
*Know your "tide" times.  You can always ask the lifeguard as they will know high tide.  If the tide is at its highest when you arrive, you can set up right at the water line and watch the beach grow bigger and bigger as the tide subsides taking 6 hours to slip into low tide.  It takes 6 hours for the tide to go from High to Low and then turn around and begin to go from Low to High (12 hour total).
*Tips for setting up your umbrella: be aware of the wind direction and wind speed.  On a windy day, take those extra steps to secure your umbrella.  Sand screws or sand grabbers are great for securing umbrellas and it's best to dig a hole first before twisting that screw in and of course packing the sand around it.  Also, a bungee cord attached to the umbrella and then to your cooler or beach cart works wonders for securing it for those real windy days. It's not uncommon to see umbrellas launched by the winds and more often than not into unknowing folks who are about to be impaled by your airborne, out of control umbrella.  It's inevitably happens while the entire family is in the ocean not realizing that their umbrella flew 2 blocks away.  Oh... when opening your umbrella... always point the umbrella toward the wind as this phenomenon never disappoints.  Most of the time, folks turn their back toward the wind and open the umbrella bringing about an inside out, uncontrolled umbrella giving you lots of air time. 
*Beach Courtesy: Begin by teaching your children courtesy at the beach. Teach them not to run or chase one another around someone else's blanket or chair.  Teach them not to walk or run on or close to someone's blanket. I've seen toddlers who take off running onto anyone's blanket in their path.  Wildwood's sand is light and very fine and is inevitably kicked up innocently by those passing by your chair or blanket.  Wildwood sand is fantastic but can be a nuisance if wind-blown all over everything and everyone.  It's always getting innocently kicked up.  Keeping aware of it really helps.
*When shaking out towels or blankets, be conscious of the wind direction and shake away from those in the line of "sand" fire.
*Advice for parents of toddlers on the beach (1-2 year olds)... bring a "pack-n-play" for them as I can assure you that your beach day will be much more enjoyable with those babes surrounded with toys and snacks in their little mesh, private encampment under an umbrella.  Your babe will enjoy the beach much more when she/he has had some controlled beach time right alongside you.  Not to mention they won't be as sandy as they could be all the while enjoying snacks, lunch, a bottle, a diaper change, not to mention a nice sea-breeze induced nap.  You'll be nearby relaxing and enjoying your beach time while they do the same.  I recently saw a young couple of a baby not old enough to walk, dig a round trench about 6" deep and place a piece of plastic (much like a part of a shower curtain) over the 2-3' wide hole and fill it with the ocean water so the babe could sit inside the makeshift puddle being entertained and cooled off as they played in their own little ocean pool.  It was ingenious.
*If you enjoy music on the beach... remember to pack your headphones.  Believe it or not, the majority of beach folk would much rather listen to the sounds of the surf or perhaps soft conversation; not the loud bass or hip hop profanity blasting next to them from your Bluetooth speakers.  Sorry... but it's something that happens a lot and it sucks.
*There is "no smoking" on the beach (at least where everyone's camped out).  That includes cigarettes, pipes, cigars and joints.  Wildwood Crest has a designated smoking area by the dunes.  There's also "no smoking" on the boardwalk.  New Jersey has legalized Marijuana and you can smoke it privately on your property but you can't do it in public.  There are no Pot dispensaries in Wildwood.
*For the pooches, there are two dog parks right on the beach.  At 24th and the Beach in North Wildwood and one in Wildwood between Glenwood and Maple on the Beach as well (it's exceptional).  Read the posted rules... no food being one of them.  Dogs must always be on a leash when not in the dog parks. *Feeding seagulls is a no-no.  Eat and snack smartly.  Waving hands when expressing oneself while holding lunch is a magnet for swooping gulls.  Drop just one potato chip and you'll have seagull havoc.  Eat conscientiously under your umbrella or chair canopy.  Seagulls are vultures and are smart and endlessly eyeing beach goers eating habits.  They're relentless in trying to find the opportune moment to swoop down and pluck lunch right out of your hand or mouth (seen it happen many times).  By the way, seagulls know "chip bags" and if you have an unsupervised beach bag with chip bags exposed, they'll think nothing of helping themselves to that bag and will share their newly acquired bag of chips with all their gull family and friends while you're in the ocean as 40 gulls enjoy a beach party on your blanket.
*Playing ball, Frisbee, horseshoes, corn hole, kite-flying, ladder toss, spike ball, paddle ball, volley ball, Kan-jam, beach darts, you-name-it etc. are not allowed to be set up and played where beach-goers are camped.  Go back by the dunes where the big beach is empty and no one is sitting to enjoy your more active beach games.
*Observe all posted signs and warnings... Beach closures for whatever reason... rip currents, storms, "surfing only" beaches, no alcohol or pot, no dogs or pets etc.  If in doubt, just ask the lifeguards.
*Never leave trash on the beach.  Better yet, pick up any that you may see whether it's yours or not.  There are many, many trash and recycle containers on the beach and surrounding areas.  You might as well use them rather than let all that trash make its way into the ocean for the fish to eat or get tangled in. Remember... whatever the fish eat, we eat too.  Plastic is an epidemic.  Speaking of plastic... New Jersey no longer has plastic bags available.  It's now all about bringing your reusable bags to save the planet from those fly-away, take-forever-to-disintegrate plastic bags.
*Lastly, be courteous. Courtesy is key.  Be kind and considerate to all those enjoying this beautiful moment right along with you. It's a lot of fun being at the beach.  Try not to bring those unmindful, mean spirited, (sometimes "vulgar") nasty, moods. We can all take the time and effort to make a really nice beach day even nicer.  It's easy. Happy Beaching!

Thursday, June 16, 2022

A Little Of This and A Little Of That Today

Mornin'!  It's 68° in Wildwood NJ.  Ms Sun's no where to be found.  We're under thick cover.  I just heard a rumble of thunder in the distance.  Humidity's 90% with a dewpoint of 65°.  Winds are out of the S-SE at 10-15mph.  It's looking like a wet-one for the first half of today with 90% chance of rain and/or thunderstorms (especially this morning). It's looking mostly cloudy this afternoon with 20% chance of rain and by late afternoon / early evening the clouds are out and the sunshine is back just in time for the sunset.  Temps today will be in the mid-70s with S-SE winds at 15-25mph.  Tonight... 60% chance of scattered thunderstorms then cloudy later tonight.  Temps will drop to around 70° with S-SW winds at 15-25mph.  Tomorrow... partly sunny, high around 85° and W-SW winds at 10-15mph.  The weekend's still looking perfect with sunny skies and temps in the low-mid 70s.  Here's some info about the beaches... I went to the beach (Wildwood Crest beach) yesterday to enjoy it and this fantastic weather and I'm happy to report that the lifeguards are guarding!  I'm assuming that all the beaches (Wildwood and North Wildwood) are on board early this year due to the more than usual beach-goers not to mention the drownings we've had to kick off our summer season.  

High Tide: 10:17AM
Low Tide: 4:05PM
Ocean Temp: 70°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:28PM
UV Index: Very high
Rip Current: Moderate (Dangerous rip currents today)
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,444,707
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,897
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,265
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 308

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

A Fantastic Hump Day!

Mornin'!  What a gorgeous morning it is!  It's 65° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's 89% with a dewpoint of 63°.  Ms Sun's up and shining brightly and there's not a cloud in the clear, blue sky.  The best part is the sound of the island birds as their beautiful singing, chirping and squawking couldn't be any more cheerful or spirited.  We had a nice watering yesterday with a couple strong rain showers and I'm thinking there's no need to water the gardens today. Speaking of yesterday... that moon!  What an incredible sight to see! We'll get to see it again tonight I'm sure.  It'll be mostly sunny today with temps in the upper 70s and E-NE winds at 10-15mph.   Tonight... increasing clouds, 20% chance of a stray shower and/or thunderstorm.  Temps will drop back into the mid-60s with SE winds at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... showers early (50% chance) with a mostly cloudy day on tap and temps in the mid-70s.  Winds will be strong out of the South at 15-25mph.  At this time, the last weekend of Spring as well as Father's day weekend is looking gorgeous with plentiful sunshine and temps in the mid-upper 70s / low 80s.  
High Tide: 9:20AM
Low Tide: 3:11PM
Ocean Temp: 69°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:28PM
Moonrise: 10:18PM
UV Index: 9.9 (very high)
Rip Current: Moderate: do  not go swimming in the ocean today as there are no lifeguards manning the beaches.  If you see someone in trouble, immediately call 911.  Three men have lost their lives on our beaches this season and it's not even summer.  The rip currents are deadly and when considered "moderate or high risk", swimming is not an option on unguarded beaches.  

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Flag Day

Mornin'! Happy Flag Day and Happy Full Moon!  It's 73° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's 74% with a dewpoint of 64°.  We're under cloud cover with breezes out of the E-NE at 10-15mph.  It looks it could be a wet one today as there's 70% chance of rain in the forecast as rain showers could begin early this morning evolving into a more steady rain for the afternoon.  A thunderstorm is possible too.  Temps will stay around where they are now... low-mid 70s with E-NE winds at 10-20mph.  Things begin to shape up by late afternoon or dinner time.  We'll probably see a sunset tonight (along with that moonrise).  Tonight... the final full moon of Spring (aka the Strawberry Moon) reaches its peak this morning  (7:51AM) as tonight's clouds will more than likely clear out giving way to mainly clear skies as we should have a wonderful view of that Supermoon tonight.  Temps will drop to the mid-60s along with North winds at 5-10mph tonight.  Tomorrow... a sunny day with a high of 74° and E-NE winds at 10-15mph.
High Tide: 8:26AM
Low Tide: 2:16PM
Ocean Temp: 68°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:28PM
Moonrise: 9:11PM
UV Index: 6.1 (moderate)
Rip Current: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,438,510
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,860
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,216
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 307

Monday, June 13, 2022

Partly Sunny Monday

Ringer Stadium - Wildwood NJ
Mornin'!  It's 69° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's 94% with a dewpoint of 69° giving the air outside a heavy, moist feel.  Breezes are out of the SW at 4-7mph.  Ms Sun has risen but is having a bit of a challenge breaking through the clouds.  We had a couple rain showers this early morn as everything's been watered.  The clouds will eventually clear out as it's supposed to be partly sunny today.  Temps will be just about tapping 80° with S-SW at 5-10mph.  There's a 20% chance of a stray shower and/or thunderstorm.  Tonight... partly cloudy with increasing clouds into the overnight.  Temps will drop back down into the upper 60s with West winds at 5-10mph.  There's remains a 20% chance of rain tonight as well.  Tomorrow... considerable cloudiness, 50% chance of rain in the afternoon, temps in the mid-70s with E-NE winds at 10-15mph.  Wednesday... same as Tuesday.  Oh, the Full (Strawberry) Moon is tomorrow and we may be able to see it tonight as it rises over the ocean's horizon. It all depends on the cloud cover tonight.  And, next Monday is the 99th annual Marbles Tournament at Ringer Stadium on the beach at Wildwood Avenue.
High Tide: 7:33AM
Low Tide: 1:21PM
Ocean Temp: 68°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:27PM
Moonrise: 7:56PM
UV Index: 8 (high)
Rip Current: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,437,531
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,852
Corona Virus Cases in Cape May County: 24,193
Corona Virus Deaths in Cape May County: 307

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Mostly to Partly Cloudy Sunday

This Morning's Webcam shot - North Wildwood
Mornin'!  It's 68° in Wildwood NJ.   We're under pretty thick cloud cover at the moment.  Humidity's 88% with a dewpoint of 65°.  Breezes are out of the S-SE at 8-11mph.  It'll be a partly to mostly cloudy Sunday with 50% chance of thunderstorms later this morning into the early afternoon. It'll stay humid today.  By later this afternoon, we'll mostly likely see peeks of sun. Temps will rise into the low-mid 70s with Southerly winds at 10-15mph.  Tonight... partly cloudy with 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms developing mostly into the overnight.  Some storms could be intense with heavy downpours and damaging winds.  Temps will drop into the upper 60s with S-SW winds at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... could have a shower in the morning (30% chance), but a partly sunny / partly cloudy day with temps in the low-80s.  
High Tide: 6:36AM and 7:05PM
Low Tide: 12:28PM
Ocean Temp: 68°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:27PM
UV Index: 6 (fairly high)
Rip Currents: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,435,303
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,851
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,165
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 307

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Saturday Mix

Mornin'!  It's 67° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's 90% with a dewpoint of 61°.  Ms Sun's trying to break through the cloud cover but we're under mostly cloudy skies.  It's really colorful along the horizon but the clouds are winning this morning's sunrise.  Breezes are barely there out of the W-SW at 2-4mph.  We'll have a mix of clouds and sun this morning with clouds eventually taking over the skies today.  There's a 25% chance of rain showers sometime during the day as temps get up to around 77° with West winds at 5-10mph.  Tonight... cloudy with 40% chance of an occasional rain shower.  Temps will drop back to where they are now... mid-upper 60s with South winds at 5-10mph.  Tomorrow... rain and thunderstorms likely (80% chance) with temps in the low-mid 70s and South winds at 10-20mph.  Monday... mostly sunny, high around 85° and West winds at 5-10mph.
High Tide: 5:36AM and 6:13PM
Low Tide: 11:36AM
Ocean Temp: 67°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:26PM
UV Index: 2.3 (low)
Rip Currents: low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,432,023
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,832
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,129
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 307

Friday, June 10, 2022

TGIF And A Beautiful Friday It Is!

Mornin'!  It's 65° in Wildwood NJ.  It's a beauty!  We've got sunshine, breezes out of the NW at 5-7mph and lovely briny, salty air drifting in all the opened windows.  Expect a beauty today as we'll have plentiful sunshine, temps tapping 80° with West winds at 10-15mph.  Tonight... partly cloudy, turning cloudy by overnight.  Temps will be in the mid-60s with SW winds at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... a mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by a bit more clouds in the afternoon with a slight chance of rain showers (15% chance).  Temps will be in the mid-upper 70s with W-SW winds at 5-10mph.  Sunday... looks pretty close to a washout with 80% chance of rain throughout the day, temps in the low-mid 70s and very windy (Southerly 10-20mph). 
High tide: 5:19PM
Low tide: 10:46AM
Ocean temp: 67°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:26PM
UV Index: 8.2 (Very High)
Rip Current: Moderate...danger zone as the Rips are very, very strong. There are no lifeguards posted on beaches except for Saturday and Sunday.  Don't go into the ocean and if you ignore all warnings and go in anyway and get caught in a rip current... swim parallel to the shore until the current unleashes you then swim to shore (try and catch a wave).  Those on the beach with you should be calling 911 if someone's in danger. Happy Friday!  And you know what that means...

Friday Beach Etiquette and Tips:

*Stuff to pack for the beach - shoes. Always wear footwear as the beach sand is extremely hot. Don't forget the kids... insist they wear something on their feet.  I pack bottled water, a spray bottle of water for you never know what, a hat, footwear, towel, sunblock, insect repellent (in case the winds shift from the west (land breeze) those "West winds" bring the biting green head flies), first aid kit (I include a tiny bottle of vinegar for jelly fish stings just in case), shade (umbrella, canopy of some type), a bungee cord to secure your umbrella for those windy days, something to read, sanitizing wipes or wet washcloth, a small trash bag to collect the trash you may accumulate. I always pack my crocheting project as I find crocheting on the beach very relaxing.  Some of my best baby blankets are full of briny yarn!  
*When setting up your spot (campsite) at the beach, give those around you a little courtesy and not set up too close to them.  It's always amazing to watch arriving folk completely unaware of their actions as they begin setting up their umbrella, blanket and chair only inches away from folks settled in.  Most beaches are huge (with the exception of North Wildwood) and there are blocks and blocks of available, open beach space yet it sometimes feels like new arrivals seek out people to sit nearby.  It happens more often than not and I have yet to figure out this strange phenomenon. There's plenty of beach to go round.
*Know your "tide" times.  You can always ask the lifeguard as they will know high tide.  If the tide is at its highest when you arrive, you can set up right at the water line and watch the beach grow bigger and bigger as the tide subsides taking 6 hours to slip into low tide.  It takes 6 hours for the tide to go from High to Low and then turn around and begin to go from Low to High (12 hour total).
*Tips for setting up your umbrella: be aware of the wind direction and wind speed.  On a windy day, take those extra steps to secure your umbrella.  Sand screws or sand grabbers are great for securing umbrellas and it's best to dig a hole first before twisting that screw in and of course packing the sand around it.  Also, a bungee cord attached to the umbrella and then to your cooler or beach cart works wonders for securing it for those real windy days. It's not uncommon to see umbrellas launched by the winds and more often than not into unknowing folks who are about to be impaled by your airborne, out of control umbrella.  It's inevitably happens while the entire family is in the ocean not realizing that their umbrella flew 2 blocks away.  Oh... when opening your umbrella... always point the umbrella toward the wind as this phenomenon never disappoints.  Most of the time, folks turn their back toward the wind and open the umbrella bringing about an inside out, uncontrolled umbrella giving you lots of air time. 
*Beach Courtesy: Begin by teaching your children courtesy at the beach. Teach them not to run or chase one another around someone else's blanket or chair.  Teach them not to walk or run on or close to someone's blanket. I've seen toddlers who take off running onto anyone's blanket in their path.  Wildwood's sand is light and very fine and is inevitably kicked up innocently by those passing by your chair or blanket.  Wildwood sand is fantastic but can be a nuisance if wind-blown all over everything and everyone.  It's always getting innocently kicked up.  Keeping aware of it really helps.
*When shaking out towels or blankets, be conscious of the wind direction and shake away from those in the line of "sand" fire.
*Advice for parents of toddlers on the beach (1-2 year olds)... bring a "pack-n-play" for them as I can assure you that your beach day will be much more enjoyable with those babes surrounded with toys and snacks in their little mesh, private encampment under an umbrella.  Your babe will enjoy the beach much more when she/he has had some controlled beach time right alongside you.  Not to mention they won't be as sandy as they could be all the while enjoying snacks, lunch, a bottle, a diaper change, not to mention a nice sea-breeze induced nap.  You'll be nearby relaxing and enjoying your beach time while they do the same.  I recently saw a young couple of a baby not old enough to walk, dig a round trench about 6" deep and place a piece of plastic (much like a part of a shower curtain) over the 2-3' wide hole and fill it with the ocean water so the babe could sit inside the makeshift puddle being entertained and cooled off as they played in their own little ocean pool.  It was ingenious.
*If you enjoy music on the beach... remember to pack your headphones.  Believe it or not, the majority of beach folk would much rather listen to the sounds of the surf or perhaps soft conversation; not the loud bass or hip hop profanity blasting next to them from your Bluetooth speakers.  Sorry... but it's something that happens a lot and it sucks.
*There is "no smoking" on the beach (at least where everyone's camped out).  That includes cigarettes, pipes, cigars and joints.  Wildwood Crest has a designated smoking area by the dunes.  There's also "no smoking" on the boardwalk.  New Jersey has legalized Marijuana and you can smoke it privately on your property but you can't do it in public.  There are no Pot dispensaries in Wildwood.
*For the pooches, there are two dog parks right on the beach.  At 24th and the Beach in North Wildwood and one in Wildwood between Glenwood and Maple on the Beach as well (it's exceptional).  Read the posted rules... no food being one of them.  Dogs must always be on a leash when not in the dog parks. *Feeding seagulls is a no-no.  Eat and snack smartly.  Waving hands when expressing oneself while holding lunch is a magnet for swooping gulls.  Drop just one potato chip and you'll have seagull havoc.  Eat conscientiously under your umbrella or chair canopy.  Seagulls are vultures and are smart and endlessly eyeing beach goers eating habits.  They're relentless in trying to find the opportune moment to swoop down and pluck lunch right out of your hand or mouth (seen it happen many times).  By the way, seagulls know "chip bags" and if you have an unsupervised beach bag with chip bags exposed, they'll think nothing of helping themselves to that bag and will share their newly acquired bag of chips with all their gull family and friends while you're in the ocean as 40 gulls enjoy a beach party on your blanket.
*Playing ball, Frisbee, horseshoes, corn hole, kite-flying, ladder toss, spike ball, paddle ball, volley ball, Kan-jam, beach darts, you-name-it etc. are not allowed to be set up and played where beach-goers are camped.  Go back by the dunes where the big beach is empty and no one is sitting to enjoy your more active beach games.
*Observe all posted signs and warnings... Beach closures for whatever reason... rip currents, storms, "surfing only" beaches, no alcohol or pot, no dogs or pets etc.  If in doubt, just ask the lifeguards.
*Never leave trash on the beach.  Better yet, pick up any that you may see whether it's yours or not.  There are many, many trash and recycle containers on the beach and surrounding areas.  You might as well use them rather than let all that trash make its way into the ocean for the fish to eat or get tangled in. Remember... whatever the fish eat, we eat too.  Plastic is an epidemic.  Speaking of plastic... New Jersey no longer has plastic bags available.  It's now all about bringing your reusable bags to save the planet from those fly-away, take-forever-to-disintegrate plastic bags.
*Lastly, be courteous. Courtesy is key.  Be kind and considerate to all those enjoying this beautiful moment right along with you. It's a lot of fun being at the beach.  Try not to bring those unmindful, mean spirited, (sometimes "vulgar") nasty, moods. We can all take the time and effort to make a really nice beach day even nicer.  It's easy. Happy Beaching! 


Thursday, June 9, 2022

Mostly Gray And Breezy

Mornin'!  It's 69° in Wildwood NJ.  We're nicely watered as some on and off heavy rain showers (along with thunder and lightning) have been the norm overnight into the early morning.  Humidity's 94% with a 71° dewpoint.  Winds are stiff out of the SW at 10-20mph.  We could still have a rain shower and/or storm this morning.  We're going to have a cloudy start to the day as the skies gradually begin to clear later.  Temps will be in the low-80s with West winds at 10-20mph.  Tonight... clear skies, low around 62° and NW winds at 10-20mph.  Tomorrow... a beauty with mostly sunny skies, temps in the upper 70s and NW winds becoming SW at 10-15mph.  Saturday looks mostly cloudy with cooler temps (low 70s) and the possibility of a shower in the afternoon.  Sunday looks partly sunny, temps in the upper 70s with no rain in the forecast.  Monday... sunny and temps around 80°.
High Tide: 4:25PM
Low Tide: 9:56AM
Ocean Temp: 65°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:25PM
UV Index: High (8.3)
Rip Current: Moderate (do not enter the water as there are no lifeguards manning the beaches during the week yet).  If you see someone in trouble, call 911. 
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,424,606
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,811
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,067
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 307

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

World Oceans Day

Mornin'!  It's 69° in Wildwood NJ.  Humidiyt's 97% with a dewpoint o 69°.  It's sunny with light breezes out of the SW at 7-9mph.  Everything's been watered from the overnight rains and the seagulls are fighting and squawking waking all of us this morning.  One of the neighbor-weekenders left their trashcan lid open inviting the gulls to ambush their backyard and trash and unfortunately they discovered the leftover bag of popcorn creating morning havoc.  There should be plenty gull shit for those thoughtless, careless folk to clean up in their yard when they return this weekend.  Or, maybe not as they're not the tidy type. 
It's going to be a partly sunny day today with temps tapping 80°.  There's 15% chance of a passing shower.  Winds will be out of the SW at 10-15mph.  Tonight... cloudy with 70% chance of scattered showers and/or thunderstorms.  Some rain could be heavy.  Temps will drop into the mid-60s with South winds at 10-20mph.  Tomorrow... rainy and windy with 80% chance of showers and of course those thunderstorms with temps near 80° and Southerly winds at 15-25mph.  Sunny skies are back on Friday.
It's World Oceans Day as this day is supposed to remind us what a major role the oceans have in our everyday lives.  They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food, medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.  We must be informed (obviously) of the impact our actions have on our oceans and this day was developed for a worldwide movement of citizens for the oceans by mobilizing and uniting our populations to create sustainable management of our oceans.  I'm happy to report that New Jersey has banned plastic bags (no longer available in our stores) which were endlessly floating like kites along our streets, beaches and shores.  Now if we could move on to banning those tiny (one-shot), plastic liquor bottles and plastic bottle caps which are an epidemic on the streets of Wildwood and I'm sure all the other barrier islands along the eastern seaboard; not to mention all the masks littering our island as well as probably the entire country.  Imagine how many of those items are in our oceans feeding our fish who feed us??!!!
High Tide: 3:32PM
Low Tide: 9:03AM
Ocean Temp: 65°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:25PM
UV Index: 9.3 (very high)
Rip Currents: Moderate:Danger when entering the ocean. There are no lifeguards during the week (only weekends). They do no report for full-time summer duty until June 19th.  Do not go swimming in the ocean.  The swimmer who drowned in Wildwood last week was found this past weekend in Wildwood Crest and as I type another swimmer has been reported missing in Cape May as the search is happening right now.  And, yesterday in Stone Harbor 3 swimmers (thankfully) were rescued.  Rip currents are very serious business.  Don't tempt the ocean's ability to sweep you out to sea by its strong pull.
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,421,092
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,793
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,028
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 307 

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Breezy Tuesday

This Morning's Web Cam in North Wildwood
Mornin'!  It's 68° in Wildwood NJ.  Ms Sun's shining through those milky, wispy clouds.  Breezes are stiff out of the S-SE at 15-20mph.  It'll be partly sunny / partly cloudy today with temps in the low-mid 70s.  Winds will be stiff throughout the day out of the S-SE at 20-25mph +gusting.  I'd take a light cover up or hoodie to the beach as even with sunshine, the breezes are off the ocean and are much cooler than that land breeze.  Tonight... lots more clouds, with 50% chance of scattered showers (or thunderstorms) into the overnight.  Temps will drop to where they are now... mid-upper 60s.  Winds will remain stiff until tomorrow (late morning). Speaking of tomorrow (as well as Thursday), looks like rainy first half of both days turning to partly sunny afternoons. Breezes will have simmered down by then too. 
High tide: 2:43PM
Low tide: 8:07AM
Ocean temp: 65°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:24PM
UV Index: 8.3 (high)
Rip Current: Moderate Risk which mean a very strong current.  One that you should swim only in front of a lifeguard and remember... lifeguards are on duty only on weekends until the end of June.  I wouldn't chance it.  We lost one swimmer already this year to a rip current. Just saying.
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,417,401
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,775
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 24,005
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 306

Monday, June 6, 2022

Sunny Monday - "D" Day

Mornin'!  It's 58° in Wildwood NJ.  We're waking to much cooler temps, not much in breezes (NE 2-4mph) and Ms Sun glowing over the island.  Humidity's low at 78% with a dewpoint of 52°.  The seagulls are making their presence known with some loud, argumentative squawking across the street as about 10 of them are on the neighbors lawn making a fuss over something.  It certainly adds to the seashore ambiance this morning!  It'll be a sunny Monday with a high of 73° and E-SE breezes at 5-10mph.  Tonight... partly clear, with a low of 64° and S-SE breezes at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... a much different (blustery) day with a high of 74°, a mostly cloudy day with S-SE winds at 15-25mph.  By nightfall tomorrow it will be cloudy and blustery with temps in the upper 60s.  Wednesday looks to be a day with scattered rainfall and even a thunderstorm is possible.  It's D-Day which is the anniversary of the Normandy (France) landing of the Allied Invasion and largest seaborne invasion in history during World War II.  It was the longest and costliest campaign to liberate north-west Europe from Nazi occupation.
High Tide: 1:57PM
Low Tide: 7:14AM
Ocean Temp: 65°
Sunrise: 5:32AM
Sunset: 8:24PM
UV Index: 8.5 (very high)
Rip Current: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,415,000
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,764
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 23,985
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 306  

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Sweater Weather Sunday

Mornin'!  It's 66° in Wildwood NJ.  Ms Sun's up along with some milky cloud cover and add to that the winds... NE at 15-25mph +gusting.  We've got a bit of a blustery, cool morning.  It feels great in the house.  Expect a blustery day with partly sunny / partly cloudy skies, temps just tapping 70° and E-NE winds at 15-25mph.  Tonight... partly cloudy skies, temps around 60° and E-NE winds at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... sunny, temps in the mid-70s and East winds at 5-10mph.  Wednesday and Thursday of this coming week could be wet ones.  Or, at least partly wet.  Just saying.
High Tide: 1:12PM
Low Tide: 6:18PM
Ocean Temp: 65°
Sunrise: 5:33AM
Sunset: 8:23PM
UV Index: 8.4 high
Rip Currents: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,412,005
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,760
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 23,951
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 306

Saturday, June 4, 2022

A Perfect Spring Saturday

Mornin'!  It's 67° in sunny Wildwood NJ.  Humidity's 65% with a dewpoint of 56°.  Breezes are out of the N-NE at 4-7mph.  It's perfect outside.  The sea breeze is in the house and the island birds are sounding very happy outside.  It'll be beautiful today with mainly sunny skies, temps in the mid-upper 70s and NE winds shifting from the South at 10-15mph  Tonight... partly cloudy, temps back in the 60s and S-SW winds shifting from the North at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... cloudier and cooler than today with a high of 70° and a bit breezier with E-NE winds at 10-20mph.  Happy Weekend! And, Happy Anniversary to me and hubby... it's 18 years ago today that we moved to Wildwood!  
High tide: 12:26PM
Low tide: 5:34PM
Ocean temp: 65°
Sunrise: 5:33AM
Sunset: 8:23PM
UV Index: 8.4 (high)
Rip Current: Low risk
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,407,649
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,755
Corona Virus Cases in Cape May County: 23,906
Corona Virus Deaths in Cape May County: 306

Friday, June 3, 2022

Happy Friday! June's First Weekend's Here As Folks Are Arriving!

Mornin'!  It's 72° in Wildwood NJ.  At the moment, we're under cloud cover.  We weren't 30 minutes ago as Ms Sun was shining down when I poured myself a cup of delicious coffee and went to the gardens to begin watering the plants.  Now it's back to the cloud cover... we also got breezes out of the W-NW at 6-9mph with humidity at 93% and dewpoint of 63°.  We're a bit foggy,  soupy and damp this morning after last night's periodic sprinkles.  There were big rainstorms all around us but here on the island (at least on my side), there was no big rainfall.  We got thunder and lightning in the distance but only sprinkles of rain here and there.  More there than here.   I was hoping we'd get a real good watering but it didn't go that way.  I got to remember to watch what I wish for.  The Tropical Storms and Hurricanes have become active.  Being through 2 hurricanes (2011:Irene and 2012:Sandy) and evacuations, I can only say "dread".  Floridians aren't contented and feeling at peace I can assure you with Tropical Storm Alex on their horizon. 
We're good in Wildwood though and that's my focus for the blog. Today will be more on the cloudy side beginning with a possible foggy morning as temps climb up near 80° and W-NW breezes at 5-10mph.  By this afternoon, we should see more clearing and peeks of sunshine.  No rain is on the forecast.  Tonight... A few clouds, low around 62° and NW breezes at 5-10mph.  Tomorrow... sunny, mid-upper 70s and S-SW winds at 10-15mph and down to 63° with clear skies Saturday night.  On Sunday... Sunny, temps around 75° and light breezes as Sunday night will be clear, temps in the low 60s and light breezes.  With a lot to be grateful for, Wildwood's weather couldn't be any prettier right now. 
High Tide: 11:39AM
Low Tide: 4:55PM
Ocean Temp: 65°
Sunrise: 5:33AM
Sunset: 8:22PM
Rip Currents: Low risk
UV Index: 8.5 (high)


It's Friday... 

Friday Beach Etiquette and Tips:

*Stuff to pack for the beach - shoes. Always wear footwear as the beach sand is extremely hot. Don't forget the kids... insist they wear something on their feet.  I pack bottled water, a spray bottle of water for you never know what, a hat, footwear, towel, sunblock, insect repellent (in case the winds shift from the west (land breeze) those "West winds" bring the biting green head flies), first aid kit (I include a tiny bottle of vinegar for jelly fish stings just in case), shade (umbrella, canopy of some type), a bungee cord to secure your umbrella for those windy days, something to read, sanitizing wipes or wet washcloth, a small trash bag to collect the trash you may accumulate. I always pack my crocheting project as I find crocheting on the beach very relaxing.  Some of my best baby blankets are full of briny yarn!  
*When setting up your spot (campsite) at the beach, give those around you a little courtesy and not set up too close to them.  It's always amazing to watch arriving folk completely unaware of their actions as they begin setting up their umbrella, blanket and chair only inches away from folks settled in.  Most beaches are huge (with the exception of North Wildwood) and there are blocks and blocks of available, open beach space yet it sometimes feels like new arrivals seek out people to sit nearby.  It happens more often than not and I have yet to figure out this strange phenomenon. There's plenty of beach to go round.
*Know your "tide" times.  You can always ask the lifeguard as they will know high tide.  If the tide is at its highest when you arrive, you can set up right at the water line and watch the beach grow bigger and bigger as the tide subsides taking 6 hours to slip into low tide.  It takes 6 hours for the tide to go from High to Low and then turn around and begin to go from Low to High (12 hour total).
*Tips for setting up your umbrella: be aware of the wind direction and wind speed.  On a windy day, take those extra steps to secure your umbrella.  Sand screws or sand grabbers are great for securing umbrellas and it's best to dig a hole first before twisting that screw in and of course packing the sand around it.  Also, a bungee cord attached to the umbrella and then to your cooler or beach cart works wonders for securing it. It's not uncommon to see umbrellas launched by the winds and more often than not into unknowing folks who are about to be impaled by your airborne, out of control umbrella.  It's inevitably happens while the entire family is in the ocean not realizing that their umbrella flew 2 blocks away.  Oh... when opening your umbrella... always point the umbrella toward the wind as this phenomenon never disappoints.  Most of the time, folks turn their back toward the wind and open the umbrella bringing about an inside out, uncontrolled umbrella giving you lots of air time. 
*Beach Courtesy: Begin by teaching your children courtesy at the beach. Teach them not to run or chase one another around someone else's blanket or chair.  Teach them not to walk or run on or close to someone's blanket. I've seen toddlers who take off running onto anyone's blanket in their path.  Wildwood's sand is light and very fine and is inevitably kicked up innocently by those passing by your chair or blanket.  Wildwood sand is fantastic but can be a nuisance if wind-blown all over everything and everyone.  It's always getting innocently kicked up.  Keeping aware of it really helps.
*When shaking out towels or blankets, be conscious of the wind direction and shake away from those in the line of "sand" fire.
*Advice for parents of toddlers on the beach (1-2 year olds)... bring a "pack-n-play" for them as I can assure you that your beach day will be much more enjoyable with those babes surrounded with toys and snacks in their little mesh, private encampment under an umbrella.  Your babe will enjoy the beach much more when she/he has had some controlled beach time right alongside you.  Not to mention they won't be as sandy as they could be all the while enjoying snacks, lunch, a bottle, a diaper change, not to mention a nice sea-breeze induced nap.  You'll be nearby relaxing and enjoying your beach time while they do the same.  I recently saw a young couple of a baby not old enough to walk, dig a round trench about 6" deep and place a piece of plastic (much like a part of a shower curtain) over the 2-3' wide hole and fill it with the ocean water so the babe could sit inside the makeshift puddle being entertained and cooled off as they played in their own little ocean pool.  It was ingenious.
*If you enjoy music on the beach... remember to pack your headphones.  Believe it or not, the majority of beach folk would much rather listen to the sounds of the surf or perhaps soft conversation; not the loud bass or hip hop profanity blasting next to them from your Bluetooth speakers.  Sorry... but it's something that happens a lot and it sucks.
*There is "no smoking" of any type on the beach. Wildwood Crest has a designated smoking area by the dunes.  There's "no smoking" on the boardwalk.  New Jersey has legalized Marijuana and you can smoke it privately on your property but you can't do it in public.  There are no Pot dispensaries in Wildwood.
*For the pooches, there are two dog parks right on the beach.  At 24th and the Beach in North Wildwood and one in Wildwood between Glenwood and Maple on the Beach as well (it's exceptional).  Read the posted rules... no food being one of them.  Dogs must always be on a leash when not in the dog parks. *Feeding seagulls is a no-no.  Eat and snack smartly.  Waving hands when expressing oneself while holding lunch is a magnet for swooping gulls.  Drop just one potato chip and you'll have seagull havoc.  Eat conscientiously under your umbrella or chair canopy.  Seagulls are vultures and are smart and endlessly eyeing beach goers eating habits.  They're relentless in trying to find the opportune moment to swoop down and pluck lunch right out of your hand or mouth (seen it happen many times).  By the way, seagulls know "chip bags" and if you have an unsupervised beach bag with chip bags exposed, they'll think nothing of helping themselves to that bag and will share their newly acquired bag of chips with all their gull family and friends while you're in the ocean as 40 gulls enjoy a beach party on your blanket.
*Playing ball, Frisbee, horseshoes, corn hole, kite-flying, ladder toss, spike ball, paddle ball, volley ball, Kan-jam, beach darts, you-name-it etc. are not allowed to be set up and played where beach-goers are camped.  Go back by the dunes where the big beach is empty and no one is sitting to enjoy your more active beach games.
*Observe all posted signs and warnings... Beach closures for whatever reason... weather, rip currents, storms, surfing only beaches, no alcohol or pot, no dogs or pets.  If in doubt, just ask the lifeguards.
*Never leave trash on the beach.  Better yet, pick up any that you may see whether it's yours or not.  There are many, many trash and recycle containers on the beach and surrounding areas.  You might as well use them rather than let all that trash make its way into the ocean for the fish to eat or get tangled in. Remember... whatever the fish eat, we eat too.  Plastic is an epidemic.  Speaking of plastic... New Jersey no longer has plastic bags available.  It's now all about bringing your reusable bags to save the planet from those fly-away, take-forever-to-disintegrate plastic bags.
*Lastly, be courteous. Courtesy is key.  Be kind and considerate to all those enjoying this beautiful moment right along with you. It's a lot of fun being at the beach.  Try not to bring those unmindful, mean spirited, (sometimes "vulgar") nasty, moods. We can all take the time and effort to make a really nice beach day even nicer.  It's easy. Happy Beaching! 


Thursday, June 2, 2022

Nice One With Possible Showers By Late Afternoon

Garden Walk at Hereford Lighthouse    
Mornin'!  It's 65° in Wildwood NJ.  Ms Sun's up trying hard to break through the haze.  We've got some hazy skies this morning but for the most part, it's a nice start to the day with mostly cloud-less skies.  Humidity's up at 98% with a dewpoint of 63°.  Breezes are out of the E-SE at 5-8mph.  Expect a mix of sun and clouds for the first half of the day.  Scattered showers and/or thunderstorms are on the weather board for this afternoon... 50% chance.  There's also the potential for severe storms.  Temps will get up into the upper 70s with E-SE winds at 5-10mph.  Tonight... 70% chance of rain including thunderstorms.  Temps will drop down into the mid-60s with SW winds at 5-10mph.  Tomorrow... generally a sunny day with a few passing clouds, temps tapping 80° and W-NW winds at 10-20mph.  At this time, the weekend's looking good with Saturday being sunny, temps in the mid-70s and light breezes; Sunday's looking sunny and cooler with temps tapping 70° and E-SE winds at 10-15mph.  Sadly, there's been no news on the recovery of that swimmer that I mentioned yesterday. 
High Tide: 10:54AM
Low Tide: 4:19PM
Ocean Temp: 65°
Sunrise: 5:33AM
Sunset: 8:21PM
Rip Current: Low risk
UV Index: 9 (high)
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,398,157
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,727
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 23,803
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 306

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

June's In The House And So Is Hurricane Season

Mornin'!  Welcome June!  Only 20 days until Summer.  It's officially "hurricane" season. It's 67° in Wildwood NJ.  Ms Sun's up through the hazy, somewhat gray sky.  Humidity's still up at 80% with a dewpoint of 66°.  Breezes are out of the N-NE at 10-15mph.  Once again, the island birds are letting you know they're happily enjoying island life.  We were cooking yesterday as temps reached 94° and let me tell ya... it was a hot one!  No refreshing sea breezes yesterday like right now.  It was my first beach day this year and it felt like the end of July with barely a breeze which were hot land breezes out of the West.  The extremely hot sand was doing its "mirage" thing and looked like it was shimmering just above the surface in the heat haze.  Footwear was absolutely necessary. I wish the ocean was heating up along with the rest of us but it's still very cold (in my opinion) as it's 64° and not really pleasant for a refreshing dip. 
For today, it won't be as hot as yesterday.  It'll be partly sunny with lower temps... low-mid 70s and E-NE breezes at 10-15mph. Tonight... partly cloudy with a 25% chance of a stray shower or thunderstorm.  Temps will drop into the low-mid 60s with S-SW winds at 5-10mph.  Tomorrow... partly cloudy, 60% chance of rain showers, temps tapping 80° and SW winds at 5-10mph.  
High Tide: 10:10AM
Low Tide: 3:42PM
Ocean Temp: 64°
Sunrise: 5:34AM
Sunset: 8:21PM
Rip Current: Moderate risk (No Lifeguards are on duty during the week yet)
UV Index: 9.4 (very high)
Corona Virus Cases in NJ: 2,394,595
Corona Virus Deaths in NJ: 34,702
Corona Virus Cases in CMC: 23,747
Corona Virus Deaths in CMC: 306
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention what's happening at the moment in Wildwood.  Yesterday afternoon, apparently 4 young men were in danger swimming in the ocean. Three were rescued, the fourth still has yet to be found.  All rescuers (Fire Departments, Coastguard and State Police Marine Units) were on board searching until after 8pm last night and are resuming their search today for this missing 20 year old man.  Lifeguards are on the beaches only on weekends until mid-June when they'll be scheduled daily.