Beaufort County to open cooling shelters amid extreme heat in coming days

The Lowcountry can expect extreme and dangerous heat this weekend, with heat indexes hitting triple digits into next week.

The county issued a heat advisory until 10 a.m. Sunday for heat indexes up to 110 degrees in Beaufort County. A heat watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening because of heat indexes reaching higher than 116 degrees.

Temperatures will not cool overnight; humidity and high temperatures are expected to persist around the clock.

Where to find the cooling shelters

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Emergency Management Division announced in an alert the opening of two shelters — one in Bluffton, the other in Beaufort — to “help the community manage the dangerous conditions.”

• Robert Smalls Leadership Academy
  • 43 WK Alston Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906
  • Open Sunday, July 27, and Monday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• River Ridge Academy
  • 3050 River Ridge Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910
  • Open Sunday, July 27, and Monday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Beach and boating this weekend

When temperatures reach 100 degrees, spending time outside carries risk for heat-related illness.

Heat index values upward of 103 are considered dangerous; heat cramps and exhaustion are likely and prolonged exposure and physical activity could lead to heat stroke.

Humidity affects the body’s ability to self-regulate temperature. When the body is too hot, it starts to sweat, and when that evaporates, the body is able to cool off. In high humidity, evaporation slows and the body feels much warmer.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office recommend limiting outdoor activity during midday and afternoon hours.

The signs and symptoms of heat-related illness

Heat exhaustion presents through heavy sweating, weakness, cold/clammy skin, dizziness and nausea.

Heat stroke presents through a body temperature above 103 degrees, confusion and a rapid pulse. If a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should call 911, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

It is recommended to stay hydrated, check on neighbors, wear light and loose-fitting clothes and never leave children or pets in vehicles.