Feels-like temps to reach 110 in Beaufort County. Here’s when the heat advisory lifts
A wave of intense heat is surging through the Lowcountry this week, spiking feels-like temperatures into the triple digits and leading the National Weather Service to trigger local heat advisories.
In Beaufort County, temperatures in the 90s combined with relative humidity were expected to cause the heat index to needle up to 110 degrees Monday, according to the NWS’ Charleston Office. In the early morning, the service placed the county under a heat advisory, lasting between noon and 6 p.m.
Blair Holloway, an NWS Charleston meteorologist, said this week is the Lowcountry’s “first real bout” of high heat index values.
While a blazing sun and cloying humidity are expected during summer months in the South, dangerous temperatures that the pair create shouldn’t be ignored. Excessive heat kills more people a year than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined, according to a report by the Scientific American.
Too much exposure to high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, which, in some cases, may lead to heat stroke. And beyond physical exhaustion and lack of comfort, months of unrelenting heat can have psychological effects.
A health survey of millions in America found that for every couple degrees the temperature rose, there was an increase in self-reported mental health problems, according to research by the University of Georgia. Another study, reviewing medical records of 2.2 million people who visited emergency departments across the United States between 2010 and 2019, showed a link between rising heat and visits for mental health issues.
NWS Charleston Meteorologist Courtney Maskell said a weak cold front moving slowly into the Lowcountry on Monday could cause scattered and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon, which may decrease heat index values.
The weak cold front will linger into Tuesday and Wednesday, Maskell said, which might stir up storms in the Lowcountry. Throughout the rest of the week, the typical summertime pattern of hot mornings and rainy afternoons will persist.
“Another cold front could impact the region late in the week, and that could bring some relief from the heat and humidity headed into the weekend,” Maskell said.
Dealing with high heat
If braving the heat, it’s essential to drink plenty of water, don loose-fitting clothing, limit the amount of time outside and take frequent breaks in the shade.
The NWS urges people to check on friends and neighbors, particularly the elderly, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women and infants. Children and pets should never be left alone in cars.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke require that the person move to a cooler place, have cool cloths placed on them or get in 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. A heat stroke victim is a medical emergency that requires a 911 call. The person should not be given anything to drink.
Watch out for these symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke if heading outside on a very hot day:
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
