WMBF News reports that MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The first real heat wave of the year arrives later this week into the weekend, followed by increasing chances of showers and storms.

Today is our “coolest day of the week” as a northeast/east wind keeps temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s closer to the beaches today.

A few more clouds will be around compared to recent days, but expect sunshine to continue to mix in throughout the day.

Highs will reach the lower to middle 80s across the Grand Strand and into the upper 80s to near 90 across the Pee Dee.

A stray shower or storm will be possible, but most areas will stay dry.

A strong ridge of high pressure takes over across the southern United States by Wednesday — and it is not going anywhere anytime soon.