One of worst heatwaves in decades headed to Myrtle Beach soon. Here's when, how long it'll last

Yahoo

4 hours ago

Get ready to sweat, Myrtle Beach. A heat wave moving east across the United States is heading for the Atlantic Coast, bringing scorching temperatures and high humidity.
'We are going to get blazing hot all week long next week,' said meteorologist Ian Boatman with the National Weather Service's Wilmington Office.
If current predictions hold, this weekend could usher in the longest stretch of days above 90 degrees F since the summer of 1959.
'The main theme is highs in the 90s — well into the 90s — every day, and your heat index will likely shoot up into the triple digits by Saturday,' Boatman said. 'But we really head into what we call heat advisory criteria by Monday. Heat advisory criteria is 105 to 109 so we're really going to be hot going into next week.'
If temperatures are as high as predicted, it'll be the first time in decades the area sees temperatures this hot this long.
'We're talking about an eight-day stretch for temperatures will be at least in the low-to-mid 90s for northeastern parts of South Carolina, and if that is definitely achieved, which looks highly likely, it would rank as the second-longest stretch of consecutive days with the high temperature at or above 90, specifically for Myrtle Beach,' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill said.
With slightly above-normal humidity, temperatures will likely peak in the Grand Strand around mid week, but the heat probably won't noticeably shift day to day.
'It looks like Tuesday looks like it's going to have the worst of the heat index values there. That's not to say it's a big, dramatic difference, really, because when I look at Monday and Wednesday, we still have heat indices that are 105 to 108 whereas Tuesday is like 108 to 110, and at that point, you're not really going to feel much of a difference,' said Boatman.
AccuWeather predicts Wednesday will be the hottest day next week, with a high around 94 degrees Fahrenheit near the coast and 97 degrees F inland.
'Typically, you get a little bit of a cooling breeze from the ocean, but with this high pressure in place, the winds will be fairly light, so it's going to be very hot, even at the beach during this stretch of weather,' Merrill said.
Although temperatures are expected to drop at night, experts don't expect much relief.
'During the overnight period, temperatures will only drop into the low-to-mid 70s, with the AccuWeather RealFeel temperature at 80 to 85 degrees. So, really, no relief during the overnight period,' said Merrill.
The NWS Wilmington Office hasn't issued heat advisories yet this year, but according to Boatman, the agency will likely announce advisories throughout next week.
Current forecasts don't call for much rain next week, Myrtle Beach could finally see some relief next weekend, especially if rain comes.
'It looks like the pattern will start to break down once we get into June 28 to July 1, then we should finally break the heat wave across the east, and that would bring up a better risk for more thunderstorms and a little bit of a cooling relief from the ocean,' Merrill said.
Heat is the top cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. As the heat wave scorches through Myrtle Beach, experts say it's important to take precautions.
The wet bulb globe temperature, a heat stress measurement that analyzes factors like air temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover, indicates people in the Myrtle Beach area could suffer heat-related sicknesses with prolonged exposure outdoors next week.
'The wet bulb globe temperature in the Myrtle Beach area will be in the low-to-mid 80s range, and when you look at the wet bulb globe temperature chart, that particular range indicates that working or exercising in direct sunlight will stress your body after about 30 minutes,' Merrill said.
With 'blazing hot' temperatures, Boatman recommends staying inside whenever possible. For those braving the outdoors, wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can offer some protection. It's also crucial to stay hydrated.
Those with pets should limit animals' time outside and watch out for scorching pavement, which can burn paws just like human feet.
According to Merrill, homes tend to get the warmest between 9 to 11 p.m. due to heat absorption, so people without air conditioning may consider seeking shelter with friends or family overnight.
Summers in Myrtle Beach are always warm, but 2025 could be especially hot. After an unusually warm spring, the NWS Climate Prediction Center reports an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures in the eastern Carolinas this summer.
Temperatures typically rise later in the summer and, as the season progresses, the Grand Strand could see another heat wave.
'We will see a little bit of a pattern shift towards more historically, closer-to-average temperatures once we get into the early part of July,' Merrill said. 'There is that potential once we get into late July, into the first part of August, or the middle of August, where we could have a similar type of pattern again, where we have temperatures in the 90s for several days on end, but that would be mid to late summer.'