Cool breeze, overcast skies and slightly dissipated humidity levels were a breath of fresh air in Beaufort County on Tuesday morning. But it was a fleeting feeling, as suffocatingly thick air was soon to make its return.
Brought in by a cold front that made its way through the Lowcountry on Monday, the more manageable temperatures Tuesday were the much-needed breather from the recent boiling heat. Several days last week, Beaufort County remained under heat advisories due to heat indices in the 100s.
While Tuesday’s bearable weather lingered throughout the day, high heat and humidity will kick back into gear Wednesday. The sun will beat down on Fourth of July, have highs near 90 degrees and pose a 20% chance of thunderstorms.
“Cooling afternoon thunderstorms will mainly be absent on Independence Day through Saturday, and then chances for rain increase by Sunday,” said Frank Strait, the state’s severe weather liaison.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Neil Dixon said to expect heat and humidity for the rest of the week and possibly into the next. Dixon said Saturday’s heat index — air temperature combined with relative humidity — could needle to 110. On Sunday, that threshold may reach 113.
“I would expect some more heat advisories and maybe even an excessive heat warning,” Dixon said. “The Climate Prediction Center also indicates excessive heat ranging from July 6 all the way through July 12.”
While scorching temperatures are expected in the Lowcountry, they’re nothing to ignore.
Excessive heat kills more people a year than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined, according reporting by the Scientific American. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, which, in some cases, might lead to heat stroke. Beyond physical exhaustion and lack of comfort, months of unrelenting heat can have psychological effects .
Four-day forecast
Thursday : A 20% percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny. High near 90. Low around 78.
Friday : A 20% percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny. High near 92. Low around 79.
Saturday : A 30% percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny. High near 94. Low around 79.
Sunday : A 50% percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny. High near 95. Low around 79.
Heat exhaustion vs. Heat stroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke require that the person move to a cooler place, have cool cloths placed on them or get in a cold bath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People experiencing heat exhaustion can sip water, but medical help is needed if they’re vomiting, symptoms are worsening or last longer than an hour. A heat stroke victim is a medical emergency that requires a 911 call. The person should not be given anything to drink.
Heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness Headache
- Fainting
Heat stroke
- Body temperature of 103 or higher
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness
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