Heat Wave Grips NJ Until the Weekend [AUDIO]

The summer of 2013 is already proving to be one of the wettest and hottest in recent memory.

For the last 13 days, we've seen temps somewhere in the 90s. In the last few, we have watched the heat index make it feel like it's 100 degrees or more, even in the shade. What can you do to keep cool and protect yourself from heat illness?

We've been bombarding you with the message of how to beat the heat for a while now. But why? Shouldn't it be common sense?

According to Leslie Terjesen with the Ocean County Health Department, if it was, then they would see less people in the emergency rooms.

"During the hot weather days, especially during a heat wave, the amount of folks admitted to hospitals increases. Whether it's for dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke etc, there's plenty of issues that affect people. You need to heed the warnings."

Health officials remind everyone to stay hydrated with plenty of water, limit alcoholic and sugary sweet beverages since they drain your body of vital fluids and keep cool when possible by using an air conditioner.

If you don't have one, experts say head to one of the cooling centers around or go to a library, a mall, a movie theater or other public place to beat the heat.

Wearing light colored clothing is also key, and Terjesen urges everyone to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from potentially harmful UV rays.

For more, visit the Ocean County Health Department website.