FIRST ALERT: Fall officially begins with near record heat

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Near record high temperatures are likely on Thursday - the official start of fall - before a cold front ushers in a dramatic change.

THURSDAY

Thursday will be the final day of summer-like heat as temperatures soar into the 90s and to near record. The old record of 88 for the Grand Strand Thursday will likely be broken as temperatures soar to 90 by the afternoon. In the Pee Dee, temperatures will be very close to record territory as afternoon readings surge in the lower and middle 90s under sunny skies.

A strong cold front will approach the area late Thursday evening. Despite how strong the front is, only a stray shower or sprinkle will be possible late Thursday evening.

HELLO, COLD FRONT

Our first true cold front of the season arrives Thursday night into Friday morning, providing for a surge of much cooler air from the northwest.

After being in the 90s on Thursday, high temperatures on Friday will only climb into the middle 70s with sunny skies and a gusty northwest wind.

The cool weather continues to filter in Friday night for a REAL taste of fall. Temperatures along the Grand Strand will fall into the upper 50s with inland temperatures in the lower 50s. A few isolated spots could drop into the upper 40s.

The weekend will continue to be very pleasant with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the 70s again on Saturday. Sunday will warm up a bit, but will still be comfortable with afternoon readings in the lower 80s.