Here’s what weather to expect in SC July 4th weekend and 5 festivals to try if you venture out

The National Weather Service has two words for this weekend in the Midlands — “heating up!”

Notice the exclamation point.

The service says the area will experience the hottest weather of the year this weekend.

Friday will be hot — 90s with afternoon showers — and then it gets hotter.

Upper 90s. More chances of showers. The heat index will be 100 to 110.

They don’t call Columbia famously hot for nothing. It’s the July 4 weekend so it’s supposed to be hot, right?

Monday and Tuesday will be similar. Then on Wednesday, when folks not at the beach are going back to work, the temperature is expected to drop. 93.

The weather service has some advice: “Limit time outdoors and drink plenty of water, check those back seats and don’t forget about your pets.”

Here’s what’s up for all you wanting to venture beyond your air conditioning.

Sciway reports there is lots to choose from on July 1:

Rockin’ Red White and Blue Celebration with live music, food truck, fireworks — hosted by the Town of Blythewood. Festival opens at 4 p.m. at Doko Meadows Park.

4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray — Boat parade then evening fireworks launched from Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park to choreographed music airing on local radio. The boat parade is visible from park sites at the Lake Murray Dam after 12:30 p.m. or by boat. This year’s theme is “Red, White, Blue and You”.

Fort Jackson Independence Day Celebration — Children’s carnival rides, 12 food trucks, live music, and fireworks — general public is welcome and admission is free. Gates open at 4 p.m. Carnival rides open at 4 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m.

On July 2, SC National Guard 246 Army Band — a performance by the SC National Guard 246 Army Band, part of the Sumter Opera House’s Main Stage Series. The National Guard Army Band is made up of musical service members who play everything from ceremonial concert music and marches to rock, jazz, pop, big band, and brass band repertoire. Stationed at McEntire Joint National Guard Air Base, they travel around the state to perform.

On July 4, the Lexington County Peach Festival — parade, food, live entertainment, car show, arts and crafts, fireworks at Gilbert Community Park. This is the festival’s 63rd year, sponsored by the Gilbert Community Club.

Look at this peach lineup: Fresh peaches, peach delight, peach sundaes, peach cobbler, peach zip, peach slush, and fresh sliced peaches. This year’s weather hasn’t been the best for peach growers — too hot and then too cold — but the fruit is still worth celebrating. South Carolina grows the second most peaches in the country, after California and before that place known as the Peach State — Georgia.