Extreme heat warning issued for SC Lowcountry. Here’s how long, how hot it’ll get
The dangerous heat warned about by the National Weather Service is here.
The NWS issued extreme heat warnings Wednesday and today for the Lowcountry. Heat indices of 113 were observed by the NWS at the Beaufort Marine Corps Station, and forecasts show extreme heat continuing through Saturday. A heat index above 103 is likely to cause heat-related illness with exposure.
But showers and thunderstorms are forecast to end the heat wave Sunday. Here’s the extreme heat forecast for the remainder of the week:
How hot will it get?
Today’s extreme heat warning begins at 11 a.m., when midday temperatures climb, and extends through 7 p.m. Heat indices between 113 and 116 are expected, according to the warning. The countywide forecast predicts a high heat index of 113 for the Lowcountry. But local highs may vary. Here’s today’s heat index forecast for your town:
- Beaufort: 111
- Port Royal: 113
- Bluffton: 111
- Hilton Head: 110
Heat advisories are likely through Saturday, according to a forecast discussion from the NWS’s Charleston Branch. Heat indexes will be similar to today and Wednesday, but fall short of warning criteria. The county-wide heat index forecast for Friday is 111 and 110 Saturday. Although the highs are lower, they are well within the NWS’s danger category for heat-related illness.
When will the heat end?
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to begin Saturday night and continue through Tuesday. The rainfall will cool temperatures and bring much-needed relief to severe and extreme drought conditions across the Lowcountry. The Lowcountry has a 40 to 50% chance to see above-normal rainfall over the next six to 10 days, according to the Climate Prediction Center, and a marginal risk of excessive rainfall on Sunday evening.
The countywide forecast shows highs of 93 degrees Fahrenheit Sunday, 87 Monday and 88 Tuesday. The Weather Prediction Center predicts heat indices below 95 Monday and Tuesday. Here’s the county-wide forecast Sunday through Tuesday:
- Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m., 70% chance of rain. 80% chance of rain Sunday night.
- Monday: Showers likely and thunderstorms possible after 8 a.m., chance of rain 80%.
- Tuesday: 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day, 40% chance Tuesday night.
The forecast can change. Keep track of it through the NWS here.