The Heat Returns To Ocean County, So Head To The Beach

If you want to cool off today, the beach may be the only place where you can find some relief.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory and an air quality alert. The heat index - a combination of humidity and heat - will be a torrid 103 degree to 108 degrees. Add in an air quality alert and going outside will be uncomfortable, to say the least.

A Code Orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations could be unhealthy for children, people with asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. Try to avoid strenuous activity or exercising outdoors.

Air temperatures at the beach will be in the upper 80s. Expect southwest winds from five to 10 miles per hour. There's a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

There's a moderate risk of rip currents today, which means rips are possible near jetties and other structures. Check with your local beach patrols before going in. Always swim on a guarded beach and never swim alone or at night. The NWS suggests you bring a flotation device with you when you go in the water

Waves will be from two to three feet, with southeast swells of two feet. The ocean water temperature has warmed up to 78 degrees.

The ultraviolet index is a 10. It doesn't get any higher than that, so bring the sunscreen.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet rolled in at 5:22 a.m. Low tide will arrive at 11:33 a.m., followed by another high tide at 5:49 p.m.

Image: Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol