NWS issues heat advisories; Emergency Management opens cooling shelters
From staff reports
According to the National Weather Service, Beaufort County will experience some extreme heat over the next few days, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has issued a release on the dangerously
Immediate precautions are urged as Beaufort County prepares for a long-duration heat wave that could bring life-threatening conditions.
Current advisories
- Heat Advisory: In effect until 10 a.m. Sunday. Heat index values up to 110°F are expected.
- Extreme Heat Watch: In effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening, with heat index values potentially reaching 116°F or higher.
The forecast calls for heat index values of 104 to 108°F. Starting this weekend and continuing through most of next week, a very hot and humid air mass will settle over the Lowcountry. Record-breaking temperatures are possible Saturday through Monday, with Monday forecast to be the hottest day. Little to no relief is expected overnight, with elevated temperatures and humidity persisting after sunset.
Public safety and heat precautions
Residents and visitors of Beaufort County are urged to begin preparations now for a prolonged period of excessive heat:
- Hydrate frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially midday and afternoon hours.
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly, children, and those without access to air conditioning.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and avoid alcohol or heavy meals.
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
Know the signs of heat-related illness:
- Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cold/clammy skin, dizziness, nausea.
- Heat stroke: high body temp (above 103°F), confusion, rapid pulse. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.
Cooling shelters to open Sunday, Monday
To help the community manage the dangerous conditions, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Emergency Management Division announces the opening of the following Cooling Shelters:
- Robert Smalls Leadership Academy
- 43 W K Alston Drive, Beaufort, 29906
- Open Sunday, July 27, and Monday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- River Ridge Academy
- 3050, River Ridge Drive, Bluffton, 29910
- Open Sunday, July 27, and Monday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
These locations are for cooling only. No meals will be provided. No weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets allowed. Service animals are permitted.
Stay informed
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division will continue to monitor the situation closely. For updates, please ensure to download the Everbridge app onto your mobile device (Link to video instructions and details can be found at https://bit.ly/4729DHA, as well as follow the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on social media.
Stay cool, stay safe, and check on one another. This extended heat event is serious, so please plan accordingly.
