By admin 
September is typically a transition month to cooler temperatures in the Myrtle Beach area, but another heat wave will return just in time for Labor Day weekend.
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This year the Myrtle Beach area has seen a number of prolonged heat waves with multiple days in a row of heat advisories – a trend that has been deemed unusual by National Weather Service meteorologists.
Heat and humidity will rise this week as heat indices are expected to reach above 100 degrees through Saturday. The hottest days will likely be Friday and Saturday with potential for heat advisories, when heat indices are above 105 degrees.
A cold front will bring chances of storms Saturday, dropping temperatures on Sunday and into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center, the Myrtle Beach area will likely see above normal temperatures for a little while longer. There is a 40% to 50% chance of above normal temperatures for September, and average temperatures for the month are around 75 degrees.
September has a 33% to 40% chance of below normal precipitation, which is on average a total of 6.6 inches of rain.
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Watch for signs of heat illness
Being outside for long periods during such high temperatures may cause heat illness.
Some of the first signs of heat illness are heavy sweating and muscle cramps. Additional symptoms of nausea, dizziness, headache or 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 on relatives and neighbors. Heat is the No. 1 weather-related cause of death in the U.S.
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