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

OCEAN COUNTY, N.J. - If you're lucky enough to have the day off, head to the beach where it will be a little cooler than on the mainland.

The National Weather Service is calling for sunny skies, with highs in the mid 80s. Winds will be from the northwest at 5 miles per hour, shifting to onshore in the afternoon.

Heat index values will be in the 90s on Saturday and generally in the low to mid 100s on Sunday, Monday, and possibly Tuesday on the mainland. It's always cooler at the beach, but it's going to be hot no matter where you are.

There's a low risk of rip currents today. But rips can always occur, especially near jetties and other structures. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. Don't be a statistic this summer. The NWS suggests you always bring a flotation device with you in the water.

Waves today will be around 3 feet, with southeasterly swells of 3 feet. The ocean water temperature is now 70 degrees, still a little nippy but you won't gasp when you go in.

The ultraviolet index is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. Don't forget the sunscreen. There is no lightning threat today.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet will arrive at 9:19 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 3:22 p.m., followed by another high tide at 9:30 p.m.

Have a great day and be careful out there!

Photo: Courtesy of Barnegat Light Beach Patrol