GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – First Alert Weather Days have been declared for Friday through Tuesday as dangerous heat and humidity grip the Western Carolinas. Heat index values climb well above 100 degrees across the Upstate with little relief overnight, creating a prolonged and serious threat.
The relentless heat pattern stems from an upper-level ridge of high pressure settling into the region creating a heat dome. This is when high pressure sits over top of the area, compressing the air mass and heating things up. Highs are running 5 to 10 degrees above normal each day through at least next Wednesday.
Thunderstorms are possible each afternoon and evening though coverage remains isolated. A few of these storms carry the potential for damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding, but many areas stay dry.
THURSDAY (TODAY) — Mostly sunny and dangerously hot. Highs reach the mid-90s in the Upstate with heat index values in the triple digits. A heat Advisory is in effect from noon until 8 p.m. for Abbeville, Greenwood, Elbert, Franklin and Hart counties where the heat index is expected to reach as high as 106°.
The mountains are a touch cooler, topping out in the upper 80s. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.
🚨 FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS — FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY: DANGEROUS HEAT — A prolonged heat event grips the region with heat index values remaining in the triple digits across the Upstate and the low 90s in the mountains. This dangerous pattern continues through Tuesday with little relief in sight. The Upstate reaches the upper 90s Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and nearing 100 degrees on Monday.
The heat index is around 105° each afternoon so heat advisories are possible each day. Tuesday backs off a little to the mid 90s the but the feels like temperatures are still well into the triple digits.
The mountains are hot too with highs in the low 90s each afternoon and feels like temperatures in the upper 90s…