COLUMBIA, S.C. — The start of the 2024 college football season is going to be a hot and humid one. For the South Carolina Gamecocks, the temperature at kickoff during the first game of the season last year was 85 degrees. This year at kickoff the temperature will be in the mid 90's and high dew points will make it feel warmer.
Gamecocks fans will be tailgating in the heat and can expect temperatures to reach the low to mid 90's by kickoff at 4:15 PM, but the heat index, or "feels like" temperature, will be around 101 degrees. Temperatures will cool down through the day, but the humidity will stick around through the night.
If you are traveling to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to cheer on the Clemson Tigers, temperatures will be slightly cooler in the mid 80's with an earlier kickoff. However, temperatures will be in the low to mid 90's by the end of the game. The heat index in Atlanta will be around 100 degrees. Clemson fans will get a break from the heat during the game inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Heat Safety Tips
- Stay Hydrated and Cool: Drink plenty of fluids and stay in an air-conditioned room. Avoid being outside in the sun for extended periods. Check on relatives and neighbors to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
- Protect Children and Pets: Never leave young children or pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors can reach deadly temperatures within minutes.
- Outdoor Precautions: When outside, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening. Be alert to signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and act immediately if symptoms appear.
- Workplace Safety: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises taking frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas during outdoor work. If the heat has affected someone you are around, move them quickly to a cool, shaded area. A heat stroke is a medical emergency; call 911 immediately.
