Beach heat safety
Use shade, cool spaces, breaks, and water during dangerous heat
Drink water, take shade breaks, and move to a cool space during the hottest parts of the day.
Sources checked August 20, 2026: NWS Wilmington alert criteria (opens in a new tab) , National Weather Service heat alerts (opens in a new tab) , and CDC extreme heat safety (opens in a new tab) .
What each heat alert means
Extreme Heat Watch
Conditions favor an extreme heat event, but its occurrence and timing remain uncertain. Prepare to change outdoor plans.
Heat Advisory
Heat index values from 105°F to 109°F for two hours or more
Dangerous heat conditions are expected below the warning threshold. Change or postpone outdoor plans.
Extreme Heat Warning
Heat index values of 110°F or higher for two hours or more
Extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day.
What beach visitors can do
- Drink plenty of water throughout your beach visit.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Spend the hottest parts of the day in an air-conditioned or cool space.
- Change or postpone outdoor activities during the heat of the day.
Source: National Weather Service heat alerts (opens in a new tab) · Source: CDC extreme heat safety (opens in a new tab)
Beach heat safety questions
- What does an Extreme Heat Watch mean at Surfside Beach?
- Conditions favor an extreme heat event, but its occurrence and timing remain uncertain. Prepare to change outdoor plans. The local warning threshold is heat index values of 110°f or higher for two hours or more.
- Source: NWS Wilmington alert criteria (opens in a new tab)
- What does a Heat Advisory mean at Surfside Beach?
- Dangerous heat conditions are expected below the warning threshold. Change or postpone outdoor plans. The local advisory threshold is heat index values from 105°f to 109°f for two hours or more.
- Source: NWS Wilmington alert criteria (opens in a new tab)
- What does an Extreme Heat Warning mean at Surfside Beach?
- Extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day. The local warning threshold is heat index values of 110°f or higher for two hours or more.
- Source: NWS Wilmington alert criteria (opens in a new tab)
- What should beach visitors do during dangerous heat?
- Drink plenty of water throughout your beach visit. Take frequent breaks in the shade. Spend the hottest parts of the day in an air-conditioned or cool space. Change or postpone outdoor activities during the heat of the day.
- Source: National Weather Service heat alerts (opens in a new tab)