Air Quality Alert Issued Thursday as Temperatures Rise

Along with Thursday's high temperatures comes a decrease in air quality, and meteorologists are warning that some in Ocean County may be at risk.

The air quality alert issued for Ocean and several other New Jersey counties is due to a spike in ground-level ozone—an air pollutant that occurs when sunlight breaks down other toxins—combined with southwest winds that will bring dirtier air to the region.

"Moderate levels of ozone and fine particulate are forecast across the Garden State due to mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures, and southwest winds that will bring dirtier air to the region," reads a warning issued by AIRNow, a government website that monitors air quality.

According to the National Weather Service, Thursday and Friday will see sunny to mostly sunny skies and high temperatures nearing 90 degrees in the Barnegat-Manahawkin area.

"Sensitive individuals, including the young, elderly, and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma, should avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon and evening hours," AIRNow warned in a statement. 

Rain isn't likely until Sunday, when temperatures will return to the low-80s, according to the NWS. 

Those who plan to spend time outside Thursday or Friday should dress in light colored clothing, stay hydrated, get enough rest and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or stroke, according to Toms River's Office of Emergency Management.