Dangerous heat expected in Columbia area. Here’s how hot temperatures could get

A heat advisory has been issued for the Columbia area and much of South Carolina on Tuesday, as severe weather is in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service .

The combination of hot temperatures, in the mid 90s, and high humidity will likely result in heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees Tuesday afternoon, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a morning briefing. A temperature of 96 degrees is predicted to be the high mark Tuesday.

Strong thunderstorms are predicted to follow the dangerous heat, according to the briefing.

The scattered slow moving storms are forecast for the afternoon and at night, meteorologists said. The storms will be capable of producing locally heavy rain, possibly leading to isolated flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

The southeast portion of the Midlands is at the greatest risk for flooding, meteorologists said.

Both Richland and Lexington counties, and all of the Midlands, are included in the heat advisory. The advisory goes into effect at 11 a.m. and is scheduled to run through 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The “hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” and the inside of a car can “reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” the National Weather Service said.

Should the showers and thunderstorms start earlier in the day, it could reduce the high temperatures and limit heat index values, according to the National Weather Service.

But any relief from the heat will be limited, as the forecast shows temperatures are expected to return to the high to mid 90s on Wednesday and Thursday.

TAKE CAUTION

▪ Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and 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 — that includes wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and limiting strenuous activities to the early morning or evening

▪ Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

▪ To reduce risk during outdoor work, OSHA recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments

▪ Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911

Source: National Weather Service