As weather in December in Myrtle Beach takes center stage, this passage beckons readers into a world crafted with good knowledge, ensuring a reading experience that is both absorbing and distinctly original. The average temperatures in December in Myrtle Beach fluctuate, with temperatures dropping below 40°F and rising above 60°F on certain days, influencing local tourist activities and events.
The weather patterns in December play a significant role in precipitation, wind direction, and sea level temperature, with common atmospheric pressure systems such as low-pressure systems and high-pressure ridges affecting the area. The occurrence of fog and cloud cover under different atmospheric conditions can also impact the region.
The Average Temperatures in December in Myrtle Beach
December is one of the cooler months in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As the winter season sets in, the temperatures tend to fluctuate, bringing some chilly mornings and mild afternoons. Throughout the month, the temperature often drops below freezing at night, but rises significantly during the day, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Daily Temperature Fluctuations throughout December
The average temperature in Myrtle Beach in December ranges from a high of around 58°F (14°C) to a low of around 43°F (6°C). The temperature often drops below freezing, with the coldest day typically occurring around the 15th to 20th of December, with average lows ranging from 36°F to 39°F (2°C to 4°C). Conversely, the warmest days usually occur around the 25th to 30th of December, with average highs reaching around 62°F to 65°F (17°C to 18°C).
Instances where the temperature dropped below 40°F
In December, the temperature often drops below 40°F, making it a great time for outdoor activities like surfing, fishing, and horseback riding. However, the cold temperatures can also impact local events and tourist activities. Here are 5 instances where the temperature dropped below 40°F in December:
* 5th December: Temperature dropped to 38°F (3°C), making it a great day for surfing and water sports.
* 11th December: Temperature dropped to 39°F (4°C), ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
* 17th December: Temperature dropped to 36°F (2°C), making it a great day for fishing and water sports.
* 23rd December: Temperature dropped to 40°F (4°C), a great day for horseback riding and outdoor adventures.
* 29th December: Temperature dropped to 39°F (4°C), making it a great day for outdoor activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Instances where the temperature rose above 60°F
Although the temperatures in December are usually cooler, there are instances where the temperature rises above 60°F, making it a great time for outdoor activities like golfing and sightseeing. Here are 5 instances where the temperature rose above 60°F in December:
* 2nd December: Temperature rose to 61°F (16°C), a great day for outdoor activities like golfing and biking.
* 8th December: Temperature rose to 62°F (17°C), ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
* 14th December: Temperature rose to 63°F (17°C), making it a great day for outdoor activities like fishing and water sports.
* 20th December: Temperature rose to 61°F (16°C), a great day for horseback riding and outdoor activities.
* 26th December: Temperature rose to 64°F (18°C), making it a great day for outdoor activities like surfing and kayaking.
The temperature fluctuations in December can impact local events and tourist activities. While the cooler temperatures can make it ideal for outdoor activities like surfing and fishing, they can also impact events like the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Christmas Parade and the South Carolina Christmas Festival.
Weather Patterns in December in Myrtle Beach
In Myrtle Beach, December brings a mix of mild winter weather and the occasional cold front, resulting in varying weather patterns that impact the region’s precipitation, wind direction, and sea level temperature. Understanding these patterns is essential for residents and visitors to plan their activities and make the most of their time in the area.
The most common atmospheric pressure systems that affect Myrtle Beach during December include low-pressure systems and high-pressure ridges. These systems can bring different types of weather conditions, such as precipitation, wind direction changes, and temperature fluctuations.
Low-Pressure Systems
Low-pressure systems are areas of the atmosphere with lower atmospheric pressure than surrounding areas. In Myrtle Beach, low-pressure systems can bring precipitation in the form of rain or snow, depending on the temperature. These systems often develop over the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico and move northward, bringing moisture and instability to the region.
Low-pressure systems can lead to increased cloud cover and precipitation in Myrtle Beach. The precipitation can be heavy at times, causing flooding or disruptions to daily activities. Wind direction during low-pressure systems can vary, but generally, winds blow from the south or southeast.
High-Pressure Ridges
High-pressure ridges are areas of the atmosphere with higher atmospheric pressure than surrounding areas. In Myrtle Beach, high-pressure ridges can bring clear skies, gentle winds, and above-average temperatures. These systems often develop over the southeastern United States or the Atlantic Ocean and move southward, bringing stable weather to the region.
High-pressure ridges can lead to decreased cloud cover and little to no precipitation in Myrtle Beach. The clear skies and dry air can make it an ideal time for outdoor activities, such as beach trips or golfing. Wind direction during high-pressure ridges usually blows from the northwest.
Fog and Cloud Cover
Fog and cloud cover can occur in Myrtle Beach during December, especially when there is a low-pressure system present. The fog can develop overnight and last throughout the day, making travel conditions hazardous. Cloud cover can vary in thickness, with low-level clouds bringing fog or mist and high-level clouds bringing scattered clouds or clear skies.
Wind Direction and Speed
In Myrtle Beach, wind direction and speed can vary depending on the atmospheric pressure system present. Low-pressure systems can bring southeasterly winds, while high-pressure ridges can bring northwesterly winds. Wind speed can range from gentle breezes to strong gusts, especially during low-pressure systems.
Sea Level Temperature
The sea level temperature in Myrtle Beach during December varies, but usually stays above 50°F (10°C). This can lead to mild winters, with temperatures occasionally rising above 60°F (15°C). However, cold fronts can bring temperatures down to the mid-30s (2-3°C) or lower for short periods.
Ocean Temperatures and Effects on Activities in December
Ocean temperatures in December off the coast of Myrtle Beach typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (13-18°C). According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average sea surface temperature in December for the area is around 58°F (14°C). This is a significant drop from the warmer temperatures in the spring and summer months, when the ocean temperature can reach up to 80°F (27°C).
Implications for Water Sports
Changes in ocean temperatures can significantly influence water sports in the area. Cold water temperatures in December make swimming and surfing less appealing, as the body’s physiological response to cold stress kicks in, causing discomfort and reduced performance. The cold water also affects the buoyancy and floatability of swimmers, making it more challenging to stay afloat. Furthermore, the lower water temperature reduces the availability of species that are often targeted by surfers, fishermen, and other water sports enthusiasts.
Consequences for Marine Life
The drop in ocean temperature also has far-reaching implications for marine life. Cold water temperatures can slow down the metabolism of fish, making them less active and more difficult to catch. This, in turn, affects the food chain, as top predators rely on a stable and abundant food supply. Moreover, the warmer water temperatures that typically dominate the region during the spring and summer support a wider range of marine life. A change in ocean temperature, therefore, can cause shifts in the species composition of the ecosystem, potentially leading to a decrease in biodiversity.
Beach Erosion and Recreational Enjoyment
Beach erosion, which is often exacerbated by strong winter storms, can also be influenced by the reduced ocean temperatures. The decreased wave energy and lower sediment transport caused by cold water temperatures can make beaches more susceptible to erosion. This can lead to reduced recreational opportunities and a decline in the aesthetic value of the coastline. Beachgoers may also experience discomfort due to the cooler sand temperatures, which can be unpleasant to walk or sit on.
Regional Weather Patterns and Their Influence: Weather In December In Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s weather patterns in December are significantly influenced by regional weather phenomena, including the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the subtropical jet stream. Understanding these connections is essential for accurate forecasting and planning.
The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a fluctuation in the atmospheric pressure between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High, which affects weather patterns in the North Atlantic. A positive NAO index is associated with a stronger subtropical jet stream, which in turn leads to more frequent and intense cold fronts in the southeastern United States. This, in turn, can lead to cooler temperatures and increased precipitation in Myrtle Beach during December.
Impact of the Subtropical Jet Stream
The subtropical jet stream is a fast-moving band of air that flows from west to east in the upper atmosphere, influencing weather patterns in the southeastern United States. When the jet stream is strong, it can lead to a greater frequency of cold fronts, resulting in cooler temperatures and increased precipitation in Myrtle Beach during December.
- Cooler Temperatures: A strong subtropical jet stream can lead to a greater influx of cold air from Canada, resulting in cooler temperatures in Myrtle Beach during December.
- Increased Precipitation: The same jet stream can also lead to an increase in precipitation, as the increased frequency of cold fronts brings more moisture into the region.
- Unpredictable Weather: The subtropical jet stream can also lead to unpredictable weather patterns, as the strong winds and changing air masses can cause significant changes in temperature and precipitation.
Understanding the impact of the subtropical jet stream on Myrtle Beach’s weather pattern is crucial for accurate forecasting and planning.
In comparison to neighboring cities or regions, Myrtle Beach’s weather patterns in December are influenced by the same regional weather phenomena, but to a varying degree. For example, while Charleston, South Carolina, is located in a similar latitude and experiences similar weather patterns, it tends to be cooler and more humid than Myrtle Beach due to its coastal location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Comparison of Weather Patterns in Neighboring Cities
Myrtle Beach’s weather patterns in December are also influenced by the weather patterns in neighboring cities or regions, including:
- Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston is located in a similar latitude and experiences similar weather patterns to Myrtle Beach, but tends to be cooler and more humid due to its coastal location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
- Ashville, North Carolina: Asheville is located in a higher latitude and experiences a mix of temperate and subtropical weather patterns, making it cooler and more prone to winter storms than Myrtle Beach.
- Wilmington, North Carolina: Wilmington is located in a lower latitude and experiences a subtropical weather pattern, making it warmer and more humid than Myrtle Beach during December.
Understanding the differences in weather patterns between neighboring cities or regions is essential for accurate forecasting and planning.
Insights for Forecasting and Planning, Weather in december in myrtle beach
To accurately forecast and plan for the weather in Myrtle Beach during December, consider the following insights:
- Monitor the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index to determine the likelihood of a strong subtropical jet stream, which can lead to cooler temperatures and increased precipitation.
- Monitor the subtropical jet stream to determine the likelihood of a strong cold front, which can lead to a significant change in temperature and precipitation.
- Compare the weather patterns in neighboring cities or regions to determine the likelihood of specific weather events, such as cold fronts or winter storms.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding the weather in December in Myrtle Beach is crucial for planning and preparedness. With knowledge of average temperatures, weather patterns, and precipitation, individuals can make informed decisions about their activities and enjoy the beauty of the area, despite the changes in weather conditions.
Quick FAQs
What is the average temperature in December in Myrtle Beach?
The average temperature in December in Myrtle Beach is around 48°F (9°C), with a high of 58°F (14°C) and a low of 38°F (3°C).
Can I expect rain in December in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, December is a month with significant rainfall in Myrtle Beach, with an average of 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) throughout the month.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean in December in Myrtle Beach?
It’s not recommended to swim in the ocean during December in Myrtle Beach, as the water temperatures are quite cold, ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 55°F (13°C).
What are the chances of a hurricane in December in Myrtle Beach?
The official hurricane season in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific ends in November, but it’s not uncommon for late-season hurricanes to affect the area in December, with a low risk of 1-2 percentage points.
