Mostly Sunny Skies, Rip Current Risk Up Ocean County Beaches

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ Although it's cloudy right now, the National Weather Service is calling for partly sunny skies today with a moderate risk of rip currents.

The September heat wave is still with us. Highs today will be in the upper 80s, even at the beach. There is no lightning threat. Winds will be from the south at 5 to 10 miles per hour.

Please remember that rips can always occur at any time, any place, especially near jetties and other structures. Never, ever swim on an unguarded beach. Never swim alone or at night. There are still several towns that have weekday lifeguard coverage in Ocean County, but not for long. Check with your local beach patrol about any problem areas.

The ocean water temperature is a balmy 79 degrees. Waves will be around two feet, with light swells

The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert for Ocean County from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Ozone levels are forecast to reach the unhealthy level for sensitive groups in central New Jersey, with sunny skies, southwest winds, and hot temperatures ahead of an approaching cold front.

The ultraviolet index is an 8, which the National Weather Service considers very high. So if you're planning on a tan, bring the sunscreen.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 5:07 am. Low tide will roll in at 11:18 a.m., followed by another high tide at 5:30 p.m.

Photo: Barnegat Light Beach Patrol