Intense heat dome to scorch SC during the July 4th weekend. Here’s how hot it’ll get
Had enough of the heat yet? An intense heat dome is gripping the East Coast and will continue bringing dangerous temperatures to South Carolina over the 4th of July weekend.
A heat dome occurs when extreme heat lingers over a region for days or weeks at a time. Unless you like getting your face scorched by the sun, the weather’s not going to be very pleasant for many South Carolinians this week and weekend.
The National Weather Service released its forecast for the rest of the week, detailing how the weather pattern will affect temperatures across the state.
Here’s how hot it’ll get in SC today and this holiday weekend:
Today’s weather forecast
Throughout SC, highs are forecasted to reach the mid to upper 90s. It will continue being sunny throughout much of the state as well.
Temperatures will climb the rest of the week up until the 4th of July. Storm development is possible later this week, but it’s very unlikely, and rain chances are low.
Weather forecast for July 4th
Unfortunately, the peak of this heat dome will arrive on the Fourth of July, bringing triple-digit temperatures and increasing humidity across the Palmetto State.
In Columbia, the maximum heat on Saturday will be 100 degrees, making heat advisories likely, according to the NWS. The heat dome will produce peak heat index values of 105–110F for several days.
Other areas that are expected to see triple-digit temperatures on the 4th of July are:
- Augusta: Max temperature is 100 degrees
- Bishopville: Max temperature is 100 degrees
- Camden: Max temperature is 101 degrees
- Chesterfield: Max temperature is 102 degrees
- Lancaster: Max temperature is 101 degrees
- Lexington: Max temperature is 100 degrees
- Orangeburg: Max temperature is 100 degrees
- Saint Mathews: Max temperature is 100 degrees
Thankfully, there’s little chance of rain or storm development on Saturday throughout much of SC. At least you’ll get to enjoy 4th of July festivities without the fear of getting rained on.
How to prepare for dangerous heat
Celebrations for Independence Day usually include being near a body of water anyway, but this level of heat will require you to be extra cautious when you’re out in direct sunlight.
Here are tips from the American Red Cross to help keep yourself cool and hydrated while you’re out celebrating Independence Day:
- Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
- If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat
- Make sure to wear loose, lightweight clothing
- Spending a few hours in air conditioning can help prevent heat illness. Find a public area with air conditioning, like a library or shopping mall, if you’re outside your house
- Find shade, and wear a hat wide enough to protect your face
Extreme heat can cause heat illness, which can be very serious. Be on the lookout for these signs if you’re in a public area:
- Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea and vomiting
- Heat cramps: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs
- Heat stroke: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F), red, hot and dry skin with no sweat, rapid, strong pulse and dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness.
If you suspect a person is experiencing heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately or drive them to the hospital. Help cool off a person experiencing heat cramps or heat exhaustion by giving them water, moving them to shade or removing excess clothing.
Be safe this holiday weekend!