Ocean Beaches Will Be Respite From Brutal Heat Over Next Few Days

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - If you can't stand the heat, go to the beach.

Mainland temperatures today will hit the mid 90s and the heat indices will hover around a torrid 100 to 10 degrees. But temperatures at Ocean County beaches will be in the mid 80s, the National Weather Service says.

Skies will be sunny. But the NWS has issued an air quality alert for coastal Ocean County. Air pollution levels can be unhealthy for those with health problems or the elderly. Winds will be from the southwest at miles per hour, shifting to the south in the afternoon.

The rip current risk is low. But rips can still occur, especially near jetties and other structures. Beach patrols in some areas reported multiple ocean rescues on Sunday. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. Don't be a statistic this summer.

The ocean water temperature has warmed up to 74 degrees. Waves will be around 2 feet, with light swells.

The ultraviolet index is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. Don't forget the sunscreen. There is no lightning threat, since there's no rain in sight until later in the week.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet will arrive at 11:18 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 5:13 p.m., followed by another high tide at 11:23 p.m.

Have a good day and be careful out there!

Photo: Courtesy of Long Beach Township beach patrol