80 mph wind gusts, large hail and scorching heat forecast for the Columbia area
A heat advisory has been issued in the Columbia area of South Carolina for the second consecutive day as more severe weather is in Wednesday’s forecast.
Temperatures are expected to eclipse 100 degrees in the Midlands a day after reaching a high of 97 in Columbia, according to Weather Underground.
The heat advisory will be in place until 8 p.m., as the heat index could top out at 110 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. No other warnings or watches have been issued for the Midlands, but that is subject to change as the storms get closer.
The searing heat won’t be the only potentially life-threatening weather effect in the Columbia area forecast Wednesday.
More thunderstorms are predicted for the Midlands, and dangerous lightning is expected, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a morning briefing.
During Tuesday’s storms 20 people — including 12 children — were hurt when a lightning bolt struck Lake Murray, Lexington County officials said. None of the injuries were life threatening, according to officials.
But the primary severe weather threat will be scattered to widespread damaging wind gusts, National Weather Service meteorologists said in the briefing.
Isolated destructive wind gusts, which could exceed 80 mph are possible in the strongest storms, according to the briefing. Widespread gusts over 60 mph are expected, the National Weather Service said.
Powerful winds could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, which creates the possibility of downed power lines and numerous power outages are expected, according to the briefing. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings, the National Weather Service said.
Storms whipping up the winds could begin by 2 p.m., but the greatest impacts in the Midlands are expected from 3-11 p.m., according to the briefing. In Columbia, the strongest effects are forecast from 5-9 p.m., the National Weather Service said.
Tornadoes are not expected.
Large hail is likely in the strongest storms but will not be as widespread as the damaging winds, according to the briefing. Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible, the National Weather Service said.
About an inch of rain could accumulate in Columbia, the forecast shows. Localized amounts could be higher, especially during thunderstorms.
All of the storms could have affect temperatures and heat index values, potentially limiting heat impacts, according to the briefing. While the storms and night could cause thermometers to drop into the low 70s, triple-digit temperatures remain a threat for most of the day.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” the National Weather Service said.
Heatstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity, according to the briefing.
Conditions will cool slightly for the rest of the week, with highs in the mid 90s and a slight chance of more thunderstorms in the forecast.
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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This story was originally published June 25, 2025 at 9:25 AM.
