Toms River, NJ – After a stretch of unsettled weather, the Jersey Shore is preparing for what could become one of the busiest weekends of the summer as sunshine returns just in time for thousands of beachgoers, vacationers, and festival attendees.
Forecasters are calling for mostly sunny skies and comfortable temperatures in the low 80s through Saturday, creating nearly ideal beach conditions. Combined with dozens of events from Monmouth County through Ocean County, officials expect beaches, boardwalks, restaurants, and roadways to see a significant increase in visitors.
Ideal beach weather expected through Saturday
Friday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high near 80 degrees, followed by a partly cloudy night with lows around 71.
Saturday looks even better for beachgoers, with mostly sunny skies, highs near 81 degrees, and a light south breeze developing during the afternoon.
Conditions remain favorable on Sunday with partly sunny skies and highs around 80 before showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop late Sunday night, making Friday and Saturday the best days to head to the coast.
Festivals and family events expected to draw crowds
Communities throughout the Shore are hosting major events that are expected to attract visitors from across New Jersey and neighboring states.
Among the largest attractions is the Annual Clam Fest in Highlands, running throughout the weekend with food vendors, entertainment, and waterfront activities.
Families can also attend Princess Palooza in Point Pleasant Beach, browse the Kids Market in Seaside Park, shop at the Highlands Farmers Market, explore the High Tide Makers & Artisan Market in Long Branch, or visit the Original Asbury Park Ghost Tour.
Other weekend attractions include performances of “Are the Bennet Girls OK?” in Atlantic Highlands, live music at Albert Music Hall in Waretown, exhibits in Island Heights, and the monthly program at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan.
Heavy traffic expected across the Shore
The combination of favorable weather and a packed calendar of events is expected to produce one of the busiest travel weekends of the season.
Motorists should expect congestion on the Garden State Parkway, Route 35, Route 36, Route 37, Route 70, Route 72, Route 9, Interstate 195, and local roads leading to popular beach communities including Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Long Beach Island, Asbury Park, Long Branch, Belmar, and Sandy Hook.
Parking lots at many oceanfront destinations are also expected to fill early, particularly on Saturday.
What happens next
While the weekend should remain largely dry through Sunday afternoon, forecasters say showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop Sunday night, with a 70% chance of rain after 2 a.m.
Anyone planning a beach trip is encouraged to check local beach conditions, arrive early to secure parking, stay hydrated, and monitor weather updates if remaining at the Shore into Sunday evening.