A freeze warning is in effect and the fire danger is elevated Thursday for the Myrtle Beach area, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C.

An arctic front has pushed across the area early Thursday bringing with it cold, dry air, which has prompted forecasters to issue special hazardous weather statements. A dry high pressure will build into the area bringing strong gusty northwest winds.

The freeze warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Friday because temperatures are expected to fall into the 20s overnight, forecasters said. The coldest temperatures will occur late Thursday and early Friday and remain even after daybreak.

Sensitive vegetation may be damaged or killed by the unseasonably cold temperatures, according to the forecast. Those with agriculture interests with field crops in gardens or ornamental plants and bushes already budding or blooming should take precautions to protect them.

By mid-Thursday, winds will gust up to 20 mph and are expected to exceed 25 mph as the drier air pushes into the area this afternoon, forecasters said. The drier air also pushes the relative humidity values to 20 to 25 percent along the coast and to less than 20 percent inland.

Such low relative humidity and windy conditions increases the fire danger across the Carolinas.

A burning ban remains in effect in Horry County and residents are not allowed to conduct outdoor burning. Residents in other counties should check with their local government before conducting any outdoor burning and notify the state Forestry Commission to register their burn.

Contact TONYA ROOT at 444-1723 or follow her at Twitter.com/tonyaroot.