COLUMBIA, S.C.
— A dangerous heatwave is expected to grip South Carolina this weekend, with temperatures soaring near 100 degrees from Saturday through Monday, prompting concerns for public safety and possible weather alerts.
Heat Index Could Trigger Warnings
The
WLTX Weather Team
has issued a
News19 Weather Impact Alert
for the entire weekend, citing dangerously high temperatures and elevated humidity that may push
heat index values into advisory or warning territory
.
While no official warnings had been issued as of Friday morning, the
National Weather Service
indicates conditions are aligning with criteria for potential
heat advisories or excessive heat warnings
in some counties.
Dry Skies, Intense Sun Expected
Forecasts show
little to no chance of precipitation
between Saturday and Monday, meaning the sun will have
free reign to heat the surface
. A
stationary high-pressure system
hovering over the
southern Appalachian Mountains
has contributed to this prolonged dry pattern and will continue to block cloud formation.
This setup is not only keeping the skies clear but also drawing
dry upper-level air down
toward the surface, intensifying daytime heating.
Humidity From the Gulf Intensifies Conditions
A
strong southwesterly flow
is channeling moisture-laden air from the
Gulf of Mexico
, while the
Bermuda high
continues to push additional humid air across the
Southeastern U.S.
These systems are expected to
merge
, making the air
exceptionally humid and still
across the Carolinas and Georgia for the next week.
That combination of
humidity and temperature
is what could make conditions especially dangerous — even for those used to Southern summer heat.
Forecast Snapshot:
-
Saturday–Monday:
Highs near
100°F
, with
feels-like temperatures possibly exceeding that mark
-
Sky Conditions:
Mostly
sunny to clear
-
Precipitation:
Minimal to none
-
Humidity:
Very high
, especially in the afternoons -
Wind:
Light
southwesterly breeze
, adding to the moisture
Precaution Urged for Outdoor Workers and Vulnerable Groups
With the
heat index expected to climb
, health officials advise
limiting outdoor activity
, especially during peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Elderly residents, children, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing health conditions are
most at risk for heat-related illnesses.
Local communities are encouraged to check on neighbors and ensure
access to cooling centers
, water, and shaded areas.
Stay Informed, Stay Cool
This heat event marks the most intense stretch of summer heat yet this season for the Midlands and other parts of the Palmetto State. Keep an eye on
local forecasts
and be prepared in case heat advisories or emergency alerts are issued.
Are you feeling the heat in your South Carolina town? Drop your weekend temps and cooling tips in the comments — let’s help each other stay safe and cool at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com!
