Think it’s hot now? Scorching temperatures are on the way for Myrtle Beach. What to know
Are you behind on your Netflix binge?. Have a book you’ve been meaning to read this summer?
Now might be the week to catch up from the comfort of your air conditioned home, as the National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously high temperatures for the Myrtle Beach area over the next several days.
A heat advisory remains in place through Tuesday, with temperatures feeling as high as 110 degrees based on relative humidity and air temperature.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sunshine, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances,” the National Weather Service advises.
Between 1970 and 2020, the average temperature on Aug. 13 in Horry County was 85.7 degrees, according to historical data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s heat tracker.
This year, it was 94 degrees, making it the 25th day of the year to exceed 90 degrees. According to the CDC, heat related deaths in the U.S. have have jumped 95 percent between 2010 and 2022.
Cramps could be the first sign of a heat-related illness
- Symptoms include painful cramping and spasms, usually in the legs and abdomen along with heavy sweating
- Apply firm pressure or gently massage the affected areas. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea
- If the cramps last more than an hour, seek immediate medical attention
Heat exhaustion can cause fainting
- Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness or fatigue, pale, clammy skin, rapid changes to the pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, headache and fainting
- If you suspect somebody has heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler environment, preferably a well air conditioned room. Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If vomiting persists or symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal
- Symptoms include throbbing headaches, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperatures above 103 degrees, hot, red skin, rapid and strong pulse and loss of consciousness
- Do not attempt to treat a person with suspected heat stroke. Call 911 immediately. Delays can lead to death. Do not give fluids or use a fan.