Coastal Ocean Beach Weather Report For July 23, 2016 - A Scorcher

If you're heading to the beach for some heat relief, good luck. You'll have to be in the water for that to happen.

The National Weather Service is calling for a torrid day, with highs in the mid-90s. Skies will be sunny, with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Beach winds will be from the west at around 10 miles per hour.

The heat index - the combination of heat and humidity - will hit around 102 degrees today. Excessive heat can create hazardous conditions for some, especially for the elderly and those with health conditions. The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today as high ozone levels spill into the region.

"The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity combine to create a situation where heat illnesses are possible," the NWS says.

The UV index is a 10. It doesn't get any higher than that. So sunscreen is a must.

The surf will be around three feet, with south swells from two to three feet. The ocean water temperatures will be in the lower to mid-60s. There's a low risk of rip currents, but they can still occur near piers, jetties and other areas, especially during low tide.

Swim only in areas where lifeguards are present and discuss any surf zone hazards with them

The lightning threat is low, which means there is little chance of showers and thunderstorms.

High tide at Barnegat will occur at 10:55 a.m., followed by low tide at 5:22 p.m.