COLUMBIA, S.C. — We are in store for a hot and humid Independence Day. Temperatures will be above normal this afternoon. Heat index values will be above 100 degrees.
Moisture will increase throughout the week and into the weekend, bringing isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms each afternoon. Above-normal temperatures are expected, with heat index values possibly reaching 110 degrees from Friday into the weekend. High atmospheric moisture will support the chances of daily rain.
Today will be hot and humid, with heat index values between 100 and 105 degrees. Actual air temperatures will be in the middle to upper 90s. Some of us could even hit 100 degrees.
Be careful if you do anything outside today while celebrating the Independence Day holiday.
Tips for the hot and humid weather:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages, as they can dehydrate you.
- Wear light clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing helps your body stay cool. Natural fabrics like cotton are breathable and more comfortable in hot weather.
- Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
- Seek shade: Whenever possible, stay in shaded areas to avoid direct sunlight, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Take cool showers: Cool showers or baths can help lower your body temperature.
- Use fans and air conditioning: Fans and air conditioning keep indoor spaces cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting places like shopping malls or libraries.
- Limit outdoor activities: Try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Eat light meals: Eat smaller, lighter meals to help regulate your body temperature. Avoid heavy, hot foods.
- Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: Be aware of symptoms like dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and confusion. Seek medical attention if you or someone else experience these signs.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and heat advisories to stay informed about conditions in your area.
Friday afternoon, highs in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees, combined with dew points in the 70s, may yield heat advisory conditions with heat index values as high as 110 degrees.
Showers and storms are possible in the late afternoon and early evening, but the threat of severe weather is low.
From Saturday through Sunday night, expect better chances of afternoon thunderstorms. Due to cloud cover and precipitation, temperatures will be slightly cooler but still at or a little above normal.
Next week, expect heat index temperatures over 100 degrees daily with a persistent upper ridge over the southeastern states. Abundant atmospheric moisture will result in typical summer showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be in the low to mid-90s, with lows in the low to mid-70s.