National Weather Service Issues Double Whammy - Excessive Heat Advisory, Code Orange Air Quality Alert For Today

Today will be a good day to stay indoors or hit the beach.

The National Weather Service is calling for a sweltering heat index - the combination of temperature and humidity - will hit between 97 and 102 degrees today, with the worst occurring in the afternoon.

And try not to breathe outside. The NWS has also issued a "Code Orange" air quality alert for Ocean County.

"The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure," the NWS says.

So try and stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and drink plenty of fluids. If you work outdoors take frequent breaks in a shaded or air conditioned environment. If you can, try and schedule strenuous activities in the early morning or evening.

"Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances," the NWS says. "This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."

The air quality alert means that air pollution can be unhealthy for children, people with asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. You can minimize air pollution effects by avoiding strenuous activities and not exercising outdoors, the NWS says.

Showers and thunderstorms are possible before 2 a.m., with some storms producing heavy rain.

Things will cool down on Friday, with a high only near 81 and northwest winds around 6 miles per hour. Thunderstorms and showers are possible after midnight.

Stay cool and stay inside, folks.

Image: Patch file photo