Heat warning today, chance of rain increases at the end of the week

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Our hot and humid weather pattern continues, with the possibility of a few showers and thunderstorms each day. We’re giving you the first warning that rain chances are increasing through the end of the week. All of these are drought-relieving rains, but they won’t be enough to end the drought completely.

TODAY

Another heat warning is in place for today, with temperatures set to feel like they’ll reach 40-43°C this afternoon. Actual temperatures will be over 30°C on the beaches and under 35°C inland. When you factor in the humidity, it’s going to be brutal outside. Be sure to take time for frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids.

As we have seen over the past few days, the typical heat and humidity will produce some thunderstorms this afternoon. Although some of the latest data suggests that these thunderstorms will taper off today, we are keeping the rain chance at 30%.

Increasing probability of rain

From Thursday through Saturday, tropical humidity will continue and even increase in the Carolinas. In addition to the high humidity, a weak low pressure system and a stagnant front will help to significantly increase the likelihood of much-needed precipitation at times.

The chance of rain increases to 40% on Thursday. The greatest chance of rain will be on Friday, when some areas may see localized heavy rain. Based on the latest data, we are maintaining the chance of rain for Friday at 60%. On Saturday, the chance of thunderstorms increases back to 40%, but isolated heavy rain is still possible, especially during the afternoon hours.

Temperatures will drop slightly thanks to clouds and a chance of rain, but the heat index will remain around 100. The highest chance of rain each day will be from midday and well into the afternoon and evening.

Models suggest some beneficial precipitation is possible, and the latest data suggests that between 1 and 3 inches of rain will fall across the region by the end of the week. Let’s hope so!

THIS WEEKEND

Our forecast will settle back into a more typical summer weather pattern over the weekend. While the chance of showers and thunderstorms will be slightly higher on Saturday, we’ll see temperatures rise on Sunday. The risk for some afternoon showers and thunderstorms will continue on Sunday, with the heat index rising to 105 degrees this weekend.

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