Columbia SC on track for possible record-high 100-degree temps for Election Day. What to know
Columbia could see 100-degree temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday and possibly even record-breaking heat, meteorologists say.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures could reach a high of 103 degrees on Election Day in the area and 101 degrees on Wednesday. Columbia’s record-high temperature for June 14 was 102 degrees in 1958. The last time temperatures reached 100 degrees in Columbia at all was in October of 2019
“The normal temperatures for this time of year are around 89 to 90 degrees,” said Nicole Steeves, NWS meteorologist. “It still is pretty hot for mid-June.”
Steeves noted that while is appears pretty likely temperatures will reach 100 degrees on Tuesday, record-breaking heat is less certain.
“It’ll likely stick close to 100 … we might get close to record-breaking temperatures, but we’re not sure if we’ll reach it,” Steeves said.
The abnormally hot weather is due to a ridge of high pressure building in from the west. Some of that same weather pattern has already caused near record-breaking temperatures in the central U.S., Steeves said.
But even if temperatures don’t officially hit over 100 degrees, it’ll still feel like it.
“The heat index will still be above 100 degrees for the rest of the week,” Steeves said. “Come this weekend, it’ll be closer to normal, with temperatures in the lower to mid-90s.”
To help residents stay cool, the city of Columbia will operate misting stations in several parks on days when the heat index reaches 90 degrees or higher.
The misting stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the following spots:
- Granby Park, 100 Catawba St.
- MLK Park, 2300 Greene St.
- Owens Field Park, 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd.
- Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St. and 4122 River Dr.
- Rosewood Park, 901 South Holly St.
- Southeast Park, 951 Hazlewood Rd.
With the possibility of record-breaking temperatures and a high heat index, some people, children and pets could be in danger for possible heat stroke.
Here are heat stroke symptoms to look for and what to do, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Heatstroke symptoms to look for
- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness (passing out)
What to do
- Call 911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do not give the person anything to drink
Hot car safety
- Children: In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up by 20 degrees and become deadly. Place your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car.
- Pets: Never leave pets in the car. Cracking the windows does not help. The inside still gets dangerously hot.
- Elderly: Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading, especially those who are most vulnerable.
This story was originally published June 13, 2022 at 9:44 AM.
