Myrtle Beach, S.C. – Beachgoers in Horry County should be cautious Thursday as a moderate risk of rip currents threatens swimmers along Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, NC, warm temperatures are drawing crowds to the coast, with highs near 74°F in Myrtle Beach and up to 79°F inland. But while skies remain clear, surf conditions are not entirely safe. A yellow-level advisory—indicating moderate rip current risk—is in effect throughout Thursday for the northern South Carolina coast.
Moderate rip currents can pose serious danger, especially to inexperienced swimmers or those entering the ocean near piers, jetties, or low-lying sandbars. Officials recommend swimming only at guarded beaches and avoiding entering the water alone.
Further north, moderate rip current risk also stretches into parts of southeastern North Carolina, including Surf City and Topsail Beach. Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach are also under the advisory, while Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Oak Island face a lower risk.
Warm air temperatures across the region—ranging from 72°F at Holden Beach to 79°F at Wrightsville and Surf City—are expected to continue into the weekend.
Rip current risks will be reassessed Friday morning. Visitors are urged to check with lifeguards or local authorities before entering the water.
