Heat Wave to Sweep Lowcountry

While folks focused on Tropical Storm Debby, the area's heat and humidity forecast for the coming week has been slowly inching toward an epic level.

Thursday's forecast high of 91 and a chance for 66 percent humidity, could push the heat index (how hot it feels to the human body) to 106 degrees, and things don't look much better for the weekend and week ahead.

Saturday will hold the nastiest temperatures over the next week. With a forecast high of 96, coupled with 69 percent humidity, the heat index coule top 125 degrees, according to forecasts. Fourth of July will be better, but with an 88-degree high and 69 percent humidity, it's still going to be nasty.

"By Saturday and Sunday, most inland locations will see high temperatures in the upper 90s with some areas possibly reaching the century mark," wrote Josh Marthers, WCBD-TV meteorologist.

"These high temperatures will combine with high amounts of humidity to produce excessive heat index values of 105 degrees or greater," he wrote. "The potential for a multi-day, dangerous(ly) excessive heat event is increasing."

And on July 4, temperatures could be even worse. With a predicted 90-degree high and a humidity level of 72 percent, Independence Day revelers could be in for a very hot and sticky celebration.

Here are a few tips for coping with the heat:

• Drink lots of fluids (non-caffeinated or alcoholic);
• Stay indoors or go to a place with air conditioning;
• Take a cool shower;
• Wear light-weight clothing;
• Never leave anyone in a vehicle without air conditioning;
• Check on vulnerable adults twice a day.

Read more about heat-related illness on CDC.gov.