86°
Patchy Smoke
59%
52
Cumberland County, NJ · Delaware Bay
Fortescue
Fortescue Rd & Downe Ave, Newport, NJ 08345
"The Weakfish Capital of the World" — a tiny Cumberland County Bay community with a public swim/wade beach, boat ramps, and a working fishing port. Enrolled as a horseshoe crab sanctuary; beach closed day and night May 7 – Jun 7 during migration.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
59% rain · NWS alert active · 76°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and 4am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- 59% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — tornado watch issued july 18 at 1:55pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws mount holly nj
43 /100
ok
28 Swim
39 Sunbathe
46 Walk
44 Fish
66 Photo
Best for photography today
Water level 0.9 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Weather alert in effect
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 1:55PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
S
Rain
59%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Water Quality
Clean
3 cfu/100mL · Fecal Coliform
USGS · sampled 7mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:48 AM
Sunset
8:24 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:26 AM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 8:08 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 2:03 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 8:22 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:16 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 8:54 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 2:53 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 9:15 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:06 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 9:40 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 3:44 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 10:10 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 10:26 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:35 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 11:06 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:51 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 11:13 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 5:28 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:01 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 5:48 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 12:01 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 6:21 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:57 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 6:45 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 12:51 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:13 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8537121, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Mostly Sunny
12%
82
82°
Sunny
2%
85
83°
Showers And Thunderstorms
77%
17
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
76%
8
79°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
21%
75
80°
Sunny
10%
86
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 76°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 59% rain chance
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
10:10 PM - 11:10 PM
Major
3:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Minor
10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Major
3:50 PM - 5:50 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free lot at beach end.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted outside closure window.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Fortescue Rd & Downe Ave, Newport, NJ 08345
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Fortescue today?
Fortescue shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Fortescue dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted outside closure window.
Is there an entry fee at Fortescue?
Entry to Fortescue is free.
Are there lifeguards at Fortescue?
No lifeguards are stationed at Fortescue. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Fortescue?
Amenities at Fortescue include beach access, boat ramp, charter fishing, fishing pier.
When is the water warmest at Fortescue?
Delaware Bay peaks in July and August at roughly 76-80°F — warmer and calmer than the open Atlantic. Comfortable swimming mid-June through September.
Where is Fortescue located?
Fortescue is in Cumberland County, NJ, at Fortescue Rd & Downe Ave, Newport, NJ 08345.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS