Clarendon County is under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. today as temperatures approach 100 degrees and the heat index climbs into dangerous territory.
The National Weather Service in Columbia says the advisory covers portions of central South Carolina and east-central Georgia, including Manning and Summerton. Today’s forecast for Manning calls for sunny skies, a high near 99 and a heat index as high as 110.
The combination of high temperatures and humidity could cause heat-related illnesses, according to the weather service.
Mostly clear conditions are expected tonight, with a low around 75.
The heat will continue Wednesday, with a high near 98 and heat index values as high as 106. There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m.
Thursday is expected to be sunny and hot with a high near 99 before rain chances increase later in the week. There is a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms Friday and a 60% chance Saturday. Highs are forecast to dip slightly to about 94 Saturday and 95 Sunday.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is urging residents to stay cool, drink plenty of water and take breaks from the heat. Residents should also check on relatives, friends and neighbors, particularly older adults and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.
SCEMD recommends wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreen, keeping indoor areas well ventilated and scheduling outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day. Those working or exercising outside should follow recommended work-and-rest cycles and use a buddy system.
The weather service advises limiting strenuous activities to the early morning or evening and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Children and pets should never be left in unattended vehicles because interior temperatures can become deadly within minutes. Pets should be brought inside during the hottest parts of the day or provided with water, shade and other ways to stay cool.
Signs of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, headache, weakness, nausea, pale or cool, moist skin and tingling in the arms or legs. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should be moved to the shade, given water and monitored while medical attention is sought.
Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, confusion, weakness, nausea, red or hot skin and unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if someone shows symptoms.
Additional heat-safety information is available at scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/extreme-heat.
