Ocean County Beaches Offer Cool Escape From Inland Heat

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - If you can't take the inland heat forecast for today, there is a solution. Head to the beach.

The National Weather Service is calling for partly sunny skies, with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs today will be in the mid 80s. Winds will be from the southwest at 5 to 10 miles per hour. The lightning threat is low, which means there is there is little chance of thunderstorms.

Inland, the heat index will reach around 100 degrees, with temperatures in the low 90s and dew points in the lower to mid 70s. The NWS has issued a heat advisory for the mainland from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The rip current risk for today is low. But rips can always occur anytime, any place, especially near jetties and other structures. Always check with your local beach patrol and never, ever swim alone or at night. The NWS advises you to always bring a flotation device with you in the water.

Waves today will only be around 2 feet, with light swells. The ocean water temperature is 77 degrees, although that can vary depending upon what beach you pick.

The ultraviolet index today is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. So don't forget the sunscreen.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 5:22 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 11:30 a.m., followed by another high tide at 5:47 p.m.

Have a nice day and be careful out there!

Photo: Patricia A. Miller