The country’s 250th anniversary celebrations across South Carolina will take place under potentially dangerous heat conditions, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s to near 100 degrees across large portions of the state.
A stout ridge of high pressure building across the Appalachians is controlling the weather pattern, leading to sinking air and reduced chances for rainfall.
On Saturday, Greenville and much of the Upstate are expected to reach a high temperature of 98 degrees, while locations across the Midlands and Pee Dee could climb to around 100 degrees.
There will be only limited relief along the coast, where temperatures will be slightly cooler due to the influence of the ocean. Charleston is forecast to reach a high near 93 degrees, while Myrtle Beach is expected to top out at around 92 degrees.
While conditions are not expected to break records, the combination of the air temperatures and humidity will make the reel feel index significantly warmer.
The heat index, which measures how hot it feels on the human skin, will reach above 100 degrees in many locations.
Forecast models show only isolated showers or thunderstorms developing during the late afternoon and early evening on Saturday, meaning most areas will remain dry.
Due to the temperatures, anyone spending extended time outdoors should take precautions, as heat-related illnesses can quickly develop.
Consuming plenty of water, along with taking frequent breaks in the shade, will be critical to ensuring celebrations continue without interruption.
Several large Independence Day celebrations are scheduled across Palmetto State, including events in the Upstate, Midlands and along the coast.
- Coast & Lowcountry:
-Waterfront Independence Day Celebration in Charleston
-Event time: 4:00-10:00 p.m.
-Fireworks: 9:40 p.m. - Midlands:
-Independence Day Celebration at Lake Murray
-Event time: 4:00-10:00 p.m.
-Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. - Upstate:
-Red, White & Blue Festival in Greenville
-Event time: 5:00-10:00 p.m.
-Fireworks: 9:45 p.m.
Independence Day week forecast map.
For those heading to the beaches, ocean conditions are expected to slightly deteriorate over the holiday weekend as an area of low pressure continues to meander well offshore of the Carolinas.
While significant tropical cyclone development is not anticipated, the disturbance could increase the surf and lead to a higher risk of rip currents.
Rip currents are powerful streams of water that can quickly pull swimmers away from the shoreline.
Beachgoers are always advised to swim near lifeguards and to pay attention to the status of warning flags.
If caught in a rip current, swimmers should avoid fighting the stream and instead swim parallel to the shoreline until they are able to escape the powerful current.
