Triple digit temperatures not only severe weather threats in Columbia’s forecast
Summer is only days old and a heat advisory has been issued for the Columbia area of South Carolina. But triple-digit temperatures are not the only severe weather effects forecast to impact the Midlands.
Powerful thunderstorms with damaging winds could lash the area Wednesday as it continues to slog through the extreme heat, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a Tuesday morning briefing.
Dangerous heat is the primary threat in Columbia on Tuesday, when temperatures could reach a high of 100 degrees and heat index values could peak at 110, according to the briefing.
The heat advisory, which includes all of the Midlands, will begin at 1 p.m. and is scheduled to remain in effect through 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” the National Weather Service said in a statement about the heat advisory.
Heatstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity Tuesday, according to the briefing.
“If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 right away,” the South Carolina Department of Public Health said in a news release. “Additionally, you should take immediate action to cool the person experiencing heat stroke down while waiting for emergency treatment by moving the person into shade or indoors, removing excess clothing and cooling the person using water, ice packs or cold, wet towels.”
While the forecast shows that temperatures will slide into the 70s overnight, it’s expected to be very hot again Wednesday in Columbia. Highs around 100 degrees — and 109 on the heat index — are possible on Wednesday, and another heat advisory might be issued, the National Weather Service said. The impact of the storms in the forecast could determine if that happens.
Damaging wind gusts moving 60 mph might join spiking temperatures as the greatest threat in the Midlands on Wednesday, according to the briefing. The dangerous winds and storms are most likely to affect the Columbia area between 2 and 10 p.m., the National Weather Service said.
Powerful winds could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, which creates the possibility of downed power lines and power outages.
Tornadoes are not expected, and the threat of hail is very low, according to the briefing.
Dangerous lightning frequency is forecast along with locally heavy rainfall, the National Weather Service said. More than an inch of rain could accumulate in Columbia, the forecast shows. Localized amounts could be higher, especially during thunderstorms.
Currently, no warnings, watches or advisories have been issued in connection to Wednesday’s forecast for the Midlands, but that is subject to change as the storms get closer.
More thunderstorms are possible throughout the rest of the week, as temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 90s, the forecast shows.
Staying safe in the heat
Some precautions to take as temperatures are forecast to hit 100 degrees or higher:
▪ Drink plenty of fluids
▪ Stay in an air-conditioned room
▪ Stay out of the sun
▪ Check up on relatives and neighbors
▪ Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles — car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes
▪ Take extra precautions when outside — wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing
▪ Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening and take breaks indoors
▪ Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
SOURCE: National Weather Service
Three stages of heat-related illness
“▪ Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms often occurring in the legs or abdomen. If you experience heat cramps, move to a cool place and drink water. You can also massage and stretch the muscle that’s cramping and apply something cold to the muscle, like an ice pack.
▪ Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of large amounts of fluid by sweating, sometimes with excessive loss of salt. The signs of heat exhaustion include the skin feeling cool and clammy or moist, and looking pale or flushed. People with heat exhaustion may also get a headache, nausea, or feel weak and dizzy. Immediately stop your current activity, rest in a cool place, and drink plenty of liquids. Consider drinks that replace electrolytes and avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol.
▪ Heat stroke signs are red, hot, dry skin and confusion or loss of consciousness, as well as rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing. Heat stroke is the most serious of health problems associated with heat, and it is a life-threatening emergency. Early and rapid recognition and treatment of heat stroke are the only means of preventing permanent brain damage or death.”
SOURCE: South Carolina Department of Public Health
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