High temperatures and thunderstorms: National Weather Service issues warning for SC

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the Midlands through Saturday and Sunday.

Affected counties include Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Saluda and Sumter.

Sweltering temperatures are expected through the Midlands on Saturday afternoon, with air temperatures expected to peak at 99 degrees by late afternoon. The National Weather Service heat index values are expected to be as high as 107 degrees in the Columbia area.

Beginning Saturday afternoon and evening scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop, according to the weather service’s hazardous weather outlook. These storms are expected to be concentrated south of I-20.

Residents are advised to be cautious as some thunderstorms could bring strong wind gusts. .

Hot weather in the Midlands is expected to persist through Sunday, with a high near 94 degrees in the Columbia area. The weather service is forecasting heat index values as high as 102 degrees.

Residents in areas impacted by high heat are encouraged to wear light clothing, hydrate regularly and limit time outside, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They are also advised to limit consumption of alcohol and sugary drinks, which can cause dehydration.

The weather service is also warning of several rounds of showers and storms that are expected from Sunday through Wednesday. The localized heavy rainfall may raise the risk of isolated flooding, according to the weather service.

A complete list of areas affected by the hazardous weather outlook are:

Lincoln, McDuffie, Columbia, Richmond, Burke, Chesterfield, McCormick, Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, Richland, Lee, Aiken, Sumter, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Bamberg, Northern Lancaster, Southern Lancaster, Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Southeastern Orangeburg.