GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Dangerously hot and humid conditions grip the Western Carolinas from Friday through Tuesday, with First Alert Weather Days in effect as heat index values soar into the triple digits across the Upstate.
A strong high-pressure system anchors over the Deep South, driving up temperatures and humidity across the region. The combination creates heat index values climbing to 105-109 degrees in the Upstate, northeast Georgia and the North Carolina foothills each afternoon through Tuesday, with some areas in the southern Upstate reaching as high as 110 degrees. Actual temperatures top out in the mid to upper 90s each afternoon to even around 100 for some areas on Monday. It’s still hot in the mountains with highs in the upper 80s to the low 90s and heat index values in the mid to upper 90s.
A Heat Advisory is in effect Friday from noon through 8 p.m. for the Upstate and Northeast Georgia. Additional heat alerts likely follow for the weekend.
Here’s What to Expect
Friday through Sunday keeps the afternoon and evening showers and storms going. Storms fire up around 1-2 p.m. in the mountains and slightly later across the Upstate, with a few turning strong to severe and bringing damaging winds and isolated heavy rainfall.
Saturday offers the highest severe storm risk as a weak frontal boundary approaches from the north, enhancing storm development and coverage. Even after dark, scattered storms linger through the evening before clearing.
The Upstate is dangerously hot, reaching mid to upper 90s with heat index values climbing to 105-110 degrees, while mountains top out in the upper 80s to low 90s. Overnight lows struggle to drop below the mid-70s throughout this stretch, keeping conditions muggy and uncomfortable.
Monday marks the hottest day of this dangerous stretch. Sunshine dominates with minimal rainfall as the Upstate bakes under highs reaching 97-101 degrees with heat index values soaring to 105 to 107. Even the mountains the low 90s.
Tuesday is the last First Alert Weather Day as highs still soar to the mid 90s in the Upstate and near 90 in the mountains. Feels like temperatures are once again around 105 meaning we could see heat advisories for one final day. Scattered afternoon storms return mainly after 2 p.m. as a frontal boundary approaches.
It’s still hot for Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the mid 90s for the Upstate and the upper 80s to low 90s in the mountains. But the humidity starts to break so feels like temperatures drip below 105, although they are still in the low triple digits for the Upstate. Wednesday looks mainly dry but Thursday brings a chance for scattered showers and storms back to the forecast.
What You Need to Know
The relentless heat and humidity through Tuesday creates dangerous conditions. Limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon heating hours between noon and 8 pm. Drink plenty of water, check on elderly family members and pets, and never leave children or pets in vehicles. If you work outside, take frequent breaks from the heat and wear light weight, light colored loose fitting clothing…