Heat and humidity, again, make it dangerous for some to be outside in Beaufort County
More days than not this week, Beaufort County has been under a heat advisory for its boiling temperatures and cloying humidity.
Saturday is no different.
Hot and humid conditions are set to dominate the Lowcountry as a hot dome of high pressure builds east out of the lower Mississippi Valley and into the Southeast States, according to the National Weather Service Charleston Office’s early morning report.
The risk for excessive heat won’t stop this weekend. Adding insult to injury, the risk is projected to increase into early next week bringing a risk for dangerous levels of heat and humidity.
Hazardous heats, with an 105-degree heat index and, in some places, as toasty as 112, are predicted to scorch Beaufort County from about 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you’re looking for a silver lining amid a week of baking heat, Frank Strait, the State Climate Office’s severe weather liaison, said the Lowcountry will dodge storms Saturday.
“The jet stream will retreat northward this weekend, giving South Carolina hotter and mostly rain-free weather,” Strait said. “It looks as though the jet stream will shift southward again next week and send another cold front our way. However, the front won’t reach us until late Tuesday or Tuesday night. So, the first part of next week looks quite hot as well.”
Strait said storms Monday or Tuesday are possible.
When temperatures spike and even before exhaustion creeps in, 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. Check on friends and neighbors during the advisory. High heats are particularly dangerous to the elderly, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women and children.
While many fear hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, excessive heat kills more people most years than the three natural disasters, according to the Scientific American.
Children and pets should never be left alone in cars. Since the beginning of the year, 16 children have died from vehicular heat stroke in the United States. Last year, 33 children died from being left in hot cars.
If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move them to a cooler place, apply cool cloths or get them into 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. Heat stroke 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 August 12, 2023 at 8:33 AM.
