Myrtle Beach area under an ‘extreme heat’ threat. When will we see relief?

The beaches this weekend may not be as packed as they were over the Fourth of July, but visitors can expect the weather to be just as hot if not hotter.

Those heading to the Myrtle Beach area this weekend should prepare to sweat as the Grand Strand could see an extreme risk (the highest category) of heat-related impacts Thursday through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service’s Heat Risk tool.

An extreme heat risk is defined as a rare or long-duration of extreme heat with no overnight relief affecting anyone without cooling and hydration as well as health systems, industries and infrastructure.

Extreme heat is expected Thursday, Friday and Saturday, according to a NWS Wilmington weather briefing issued Tuesday morning.

How hot will it be this weekend?

The NWS Wilmington releases a seven-day heat forecast for max temperatures and max heat indexes (”feels-like” temperatures), which is subject to change. As of Tuesday, July 7, here’s how hot it will be across the Grand Strand into the weekend.

Wednesday, July 8:

• North Myrtle Beach - High of 94 degrees, heat index 113 degrees
• Myrtle Beach - High of 94 degrees, heat index 112 degrees
• Murrells Inlet - High of 95 degrees, heat index 112 degrees

Thursday, July 9:

• North Myrtle Beach - High of 94 degrees, heat index 112 degrees
• Myrtle Beach - High of 94 degrees, heat index 111 degrees
• Murrells Inlet - High of 95 degrees, heat index 111 degrees

Friday, July 10:

• North Myrtle Beach - High of 95 degrees, heat index 111 degrees
• Myrtle Beach - High of 95 degrees, heat index 109 degrees
• Murrells Inlet - High of 96 degrees, heat index 109 degrees

Saturday, July 11:

• North Myrtle Beach - High of 95 degrees, heat index 111 degrees
• Myrtle Beach - High of 94 degrees, heat index 108 degrees
• Murrells Inlet - High of 96 degrees, heat index 109 degrees

Sunday, July 12:

• North Myrtle Beach - High of 91 degrees, heat index 104 degrees
• Myrtle Beach - High of 90 degrees, heat index 102 degrees
• Murrells Inlet, High of 91 degrees, heat index 104 degrees

Scattered afternoon thunderstorms are predicted to remain minimal Thursday and Friday, with chances increasing on Saturday. There are no signs of tropical activity in the next seven days.

For daily weather updates or changes, visit NWS Wilmington’s forecast page.

Watch for signs of heat illness

Being outside for long periods during such high temperatures may cause heat illness, according to the NWS.

Some of the first signs of heat illness are heavy sweating and muscle cramps. Additional symptoms of nausea, dizziness, headache of vomiting could indicate heat exhaustion. The NWS advises moving into a cooler environment, taking sips of water and applying cool, wet towels.

If symptoms prolong for more than an hour, seek medical attention. Worsening symptoms of throbbing headache, confusion, slurred speech, body temperature above 103 degrees, fainting or loss of consciousness are signs of heat stroke. Call 911 or get to a hospital immediately, as delayed action could be fatal, according to the NWS.

The NWS advises precautionary actions to avoid dangerous signs of heat-related illnesses, such as drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun and checking up on relatives and neighbors.

Heat is the No. 1 weather-related cause of death in the U.S.