Climate change in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Climate change is affecting locations like Myrtle Beach in a variety of ways. In fall, these impacts include more extreme rainfall, changes to fall foliage, and more intense hurricanes.

Explore these pages to learn how people in Myrtle Beach are at risk in a warming world.

Since 1970, average annual temperatures in Myrtle Beach have gotten 0.8°F warmer.

Warming puts people and ecosystems at risk from more frequent and intense extreme weather.
Overall, the contiguous U.S. is about 2.8°F warmer today than in 1970, based on average temperatures.
Data source: NOAA ACIS

Since 1970, Myrtle Beach's annual precipitation has increased by 2.9 inches.

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle and bringing heavier precipitation extremes across the U.S.
For every 1°F of warming, the air can hold 4% more moisture, increasing the chances of heavier downpours that contribute to flash flooding hazards.
Data source: NOAA ACIS

As of October 9, 2026, Myrtle Beach has experienced 57 days this year with temperatures made twice as likely by climate change.

This is according to the Climate Shift Index (CSI), which quantifies the influence of human-caused climate change on daily average temperatures. Temperatures on these days had a CSI level 2 or higher, which indicates local temperatures were at least two times more likely due to climate change.
The CSI ranges from -5 to +5. Positive levels indicate temperatures made more likely due to climate change (while negative scores indicate conditions made less likely).
Data source: Climate Shift Index

Myrtle Beach's climate threats in include:

The amount of rainfall during the heaviest rain events each year in the Southeast has increased by 37% since 1958.

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, bringing heavier precipitation extremes across the U.S.
This chart shows how the amount of rainfall during the top 1% heaviest rain events each year in the Southeast increased between 1958 to 2021.
Data source: Fifth National Climate Assessment

Between 1980 and 2025, South Carolina experienced 25 billion-dollar hurricanes.

As the planet warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, resulting in devastating losses.
Tropical cyclones (which include hurricanes and tropical storms) are the most costly extreme weather events in the U.S.
This data shows the total number of hurricanes with at least one billion dollars in damages that occurred during 1980-2025.
Data source: U.S. Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters

The sea level in Myrtle Beach is projected to rise 1.0 feet by 2050 even if nations meet their pledged commitments to reduce heat-trapping pollution.

Increasing flood risk is driven by our warming climate, which is causing sea levels around the world to rise. Rising sea levels push tides and storm surges higher and farther inland.
Climate Central’s Coastal Risk Finder provides maps and analysis of the people, homes, and land in the U.S. projected to be at risk from worsening coastal flooding driven by rising seas.

Explore some ways climate change is affecting Myrtle Beach in fall

Heavier downpours

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, driving heavier rainfall and flood risk.

Key concepts:

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, driving heavier rainfall and flood risk.
From 1958–2021, extreme precipitation days grew in every region, led by the Northeast (+60%) and Midwest (+45%).
Intensification will continue with future warming.
Short bursts of extreme rain threaten people, ecosystems, and infrastructure nationwide.

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Impacts to fall color

Conditions that trigger fall color are shifting with climate change.

Key concepts:

Foliage depends on temperature, day length, and rainfall — as well as other conditions including extreme weather events.
Cool fall nights can boost color, but they have warmed 2.7°F (1970–2023) in 212 U.S. locations.
Warmer falls can delay or shorten peak foliage.

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More intense hurricanes

Warmer oceans from climate change fuel stronger hurricanes.

Key concepts:

Warmer oceans from climate change fuel stronger Atlantic hurricanes with heavier rain and higher storm surge.
Rising seas amplify storm surge, increasing risks for coastal residents.
Warmer air holds more moisture, driving heavier downpours and flooding.

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Impacts to food prices

Extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains.

Key concepts:

Food and climate change are closely linked. Food systems account for about one-quarter of all heat-trapping pollution.
Meanwhile, extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains — all of which can drive food prices higher.
The availability, quality, and affordability of food reflect a complex set of climatic and socioeconomic factors. Emerging research is providing insight into the role of climate change.

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Climate change in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach's climate threats in fall include:

Explore some ways climate change is affecting Myrtle Beach in fall

Discover more nearby

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Myrtle Beach's climate threats in include: