Early Monday mornings brought a chill to the Grand Strand, with temperatures in the low‑mid 50s along the beaches and the upper 40s inland. That cool start is the only bite this week, as a high‑pressure ridge to the north supplies dry air and steady northeast winds.
What the forecast looks like
The National Weather Service predicts sunshine Monday with a high near 73°F and northeast gusts around 20 mph. Monday night will dip to about 50°F. Tuesday mirrors Monday, while Wednesday climbs to roughly 75°F under mostly clear skies, with gusts in the low 20s along the coast. Thursday and Friday should reach the mid‑70s, and inland towns such as Conway, Aynor and Loris may see a few degrees warmer, edging toward the upper 70s.
These temperatures are typical for late October in Myrtle Beach, where the historical average high is about 74°F and the low around 51°F. After a year of record dryness, a normal‑looking week feels like a welcome reprieve.
Wind, tides and safety tips
The persistent northeast wind will rattle patio umbrellas and push loose decorations early in the week. It also helps raise tide levels, so residents should expect the beach to feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
Monday’s full moon creates higher astronomical tides. The National Weather Service office in Wilmington flagged October 26‑28 as dates when “sunny‑day” flooding could occur—water moving onto low‑lying streets without a storm. The wind‑driven water pile‑up can exacerbate this effect.
While the Grand Strand is not in the path of any storm, the same tidal dynamics that caused flash flooding last October remain a concern. When tides are already high, even modest water levels can spill onto roads, especially near the Intracoastal Waterway and marshy neighborhoods.
Coastal surf and rip‑current warnings
AccuWeather has issued a rough‑surf and rip‑current advisory for the weekend. With lifeguard season over, anyone considering a warm afternoon swim should exercise extra caution and stay out of the water during high tide.
Drought, burn bans and fire safety
South Carolina’s September‑through‑March stretch is the driest on record since 1895, according to federal drought monitors. Horry County imposed a burn ban in late March, and the Covington Drive wildfire in Carolina Forest burned more than 2,000 acres.
Although the county’s burn ban has been lifted, open‑burn permits still require notification to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Residents should keep this in mind as the dry, windy conditions can quickly turn fallen leaves and pine straw into fire fuel.
What families can expect for Halloween
WMBF forecasts dry and mild weather for Friday and Saturday, with afternoon highs in the mid‑to‑upper 70s and comfortable evenings for trick‑or‑treaters. A slight chance of stray showers returns on Sunday.
Daylight‑saving time ends Saturday night, moving clocks back one hour. Sunset on Halloween will be around 6:24 p.m., but darkness will arrive near 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, so parents should ensure children have reflective gear and drivers use headlights on poorly lit routes such as U.S. 501 and S.C. 544.
Bottom line
Horry County can look forward to a pleasant, dry week that supports outdoor festivities and golf outings. At the same time, residents should stay alert to wind‑driven fire risk, tide‑related flooding and the early nightfall that follows the end of daylight‑saving time.
Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.
