Extreme heat headed to the SC Lowcountry. Here’s how to save on your energy bill & stay safe

The next several days are shaping up to be the hottest of the summer so far.

A heat dome is setting up over the Lowcountry and much of the Southeast. The National Weather Service warns temperatures this weekend could be in the middle to upper 90s, with 100 degrees possible. When combined with moderate humidity forecast by the NWS, the heat becomes life-threatening. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office issued an advisory warning about the heat.

Extreme heat can be dangerous and cost you on your energy bill. Here’s how to stay safe and save money during the heat dome:

How to stay safe

More Americans die each year on average from extreme heat than any other extreme weather event, according to the NWS. 529 people died directly from a heat-related illness in 2024.

If you need to be outside for a long time, the Centers for Disease Control recommends you stay in the shade whenever possible, stay hydrated and do activities during the coolest parts of the day. Temperatures could stay high after sunset during this heatwave, however. Nighttime temperatures may not fall below 80 degrees in some areas, according to the NWS.

Never leave a pet, child or disabled person in a locked vehicle unattended. 31 children died in hot cars in 2025, even in winter.

Extreme heat exposure can cause minor or very serious illness. Heat-stroke is most dangerous, and it occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. Body temperature can quickly rise to 106 degrees, and victims need immediate medical attention. Here are the symptoms of heat stroke according to the CDC:

• Confusion, altered mental status, and slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature

If someone exhibits the symptoms, move them to a shady or cool area and remove their outer clothing. Use whatever means available to apply cool water to the victim and call 911.

How to save money

Long heat waves can be taxing on your home’s air conditioning systems. Extreme heat makes your air conditioning work harder to cool your home. It can drive up your energy bill and put stress on the power grid.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends these tips to cut down your power consumption:

• Cover your windows. 76% of light entering your home through windows is converted to heat.
• Raise the temperature on your thermostat when you leave the house, and turn it back down when you return. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and not too cool.
• Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Ceiling fans cool you, not the room.
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors where cool air can escape outside.