COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia will to live up to it's name of being "famously hot" over the next couple of days. Showers and storms over the weekend helped keep temperatures at or below the average of 93° for this time of year. However, high pressure will dampen storm chances to start the week and allow temperatures to soar.
There will be a small chance of an isolated storm to start the work week, however the severe threat is low and most of the area will stay dry.
Dew point values will be in the low to mid-70s over the next couple of days. That, combined with air temperatures in the 90s will create heat index temperatures, or feels-like values, over 100°.
As temperatures rise, it's important to find ways to stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses. The National Weather Service recommends staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activities, and resting in the shade or air conditioning as often as possible.
Unfortunately, there is no end in sight to the above average temperatures across the Midlands. The Climate Prediction Center has most of South Carolina under a 60% chance of seeing above average temperatures as we approach the end of July.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, a majority of the country will notice above average temperatures over the next 6 to 10 days. The only places that could see below average temperatures are the Pacific Northwest and southern California.
