Heat is nothing to mess with. Here’s what to expect in Beaufort County on July 4th
An oppressive heat that’s settled and is here to stay in the Lowcountry triggered the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory Monday morning.
From noon until 7 p.m., Beaufort County could see the temperature needle to 92 degrees, with the thick, near-suffocating humidity making it feel closer to 110.
It’s not for the faint of heart. And, really, it isn’t ideal for anyone to spend excessive amounts of time outside during the heat advisory. The NWS classifies a heat advisory as a maximum heat index temperature expected to be 100 or higher for at least two days, and it’s accompanied with evening air temperatures that do not fall below 75.
Heat can be particularly sneaky when spending time in the water or near an ocean breeze, both tending to trick the mind that it’s slightly cooler. Regardless, it’s vital to stay hydrated, reschedule outside tasks to the early morning or evening and trade the baking sun for an air conditioned room.
This is the time to be a good neighbor. Check on friends and neighbors during the dangerous heat, particularly the elderly, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women and infants. And it goes without saying, children and pets are never be left alone in cars. Since the beginning of the year, eight children have died from heat stroke in the United States.
During the unease and anxiety that hurricane season can bring, it’s excessive heat that’s insidious and kills more people most years than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined, according to the Scientific American.
By Monday evening, relief will come with a low of 77 and the low potential for showers and thunderstorms.
“Starting with Independence Day, we’ll see a gradual trend toward less heat and more widespread coverage of the typical afternoon and evening thunderstorms,” State Climate Office’s severe weather liaison Frank Strait said.
On Tuesday, skies in Beaufort County will be mostly sunny and the temperature will rise to about 93, with heat indices that could make it feel like 106.
Even if temperatures drop from a dangerous range, it’s better to prepare early and learn the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s listed signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Both conditions require that the person to move to a cooler place, have cool cloths placed on them or get in a cold bath.
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
This story was originally published July 3, 2023 at 10:05 AM.
