Is South Carolina in a Heat Dome? How Long Will the Heat Wave Last?

Scorching Temperatures Forecast for Greenville, Upstate SC

The National Weather Service says a potentially dangerous and record-setting heat dome is expected to settle over the Midwest and Northeast over the next week. A heat wave is a period of unusually high temperatures over a region. As temperatures cook on the Midwest and Northeastern coast, the term “heat dome” has been used to describe the hot weather, leaving many questions to be answered.

NWS Issues Hazardous Weather Outlook

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Northeast Georgia, the North Carolina foothills and Piedmont, and Upstate South Carolina from Friday, June 21 through Wednesday, June 26. High temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-90s Saturday through Monday, with heat indices expected to reach 100 to 104 degrees. Those who are sensitive to the heat will want to decrease their time spent outdoors to prevent heat-related illnesses.

What is a Heat Dome?

Per AccuWeather, the term “heat dome” is used to describe a sprawling area of high pressure promoting hot and dry conditions for days or weeks at a time. It is similar to a balloon in the way it expands and contracts as the day goes on. When a certain area is inside it, it can feel very warm. A heat dome can interfere with the production of clouds, leading to an increase in sunlight and high temperatures. In turn, the cooling demand will increase, which may boost the strain on a region’s power grid. Drought conditions may also develop due to extended dry and hot spells.

Types of Heat Warnings Issued by NWS

The NWS issues several types of heat advisories depending on severity. The different types include excessive heat warning, excessive heat watch, heat advisory, and excessive heat outlook.

‘Ring of Fire’ Thunderstorms

Since heat domes act as large, immovable bubbles, moisture is forced up and over the heat bubble, causing “ring of fire” thunderstorms to form along the fringes of the heat, which may bring severe weather into the area.

Will South Carolina Experience Severe Weather?

As the heat dome ensues, South Carolina may also have a chance for severe weather, although the ring of fire features are currently more favorable for the Midwest and parts of the Ohio Valley.

When Will the Heat Dome End?

The timing of a cooldown period remains uncertain, but high temperatures are forecast to dip slightly between this week and early next week before potentially soaring again.

High Temperatures Forecast for Greenville

Here are the forecasted high temperatures for Greenville heading into next week:

• Friday, June 21: 91 degrees
• Saturday, June 22: 93 degrees
• Sunday, June 23: 94 degrees
• Monday, June 24: 95 degrees
• Tuesday, June 25: 95 degrees
• Wednesday, June 26: 96 degrees
• Thursday, June 27: 95 degrees

High Temperatures Forecast Across US Midwest, Northeast

These are the high temperatures forecast for several Midwest and Northeast cities from Juneteenth and June 20. Temperatures will dip between this week and early next week:

• Manchester, New Hampshire: 97, 99. Dropping to 86 by June 24.
• Albany, New York: 96, 97. Dropping to 86 by June 24.
• Detroit, Michigan: 95, 93. Dropping to 83 by June 24.
• … (continue the list)

How to Prepare for the Heat

Tips:

• Make sure the air conditioner is functioning properly.
• Check on friends, families, neighbors, and pets to ensure they are safe in the heat.
• Never leave children, dependents, or pets unattended in vehicles.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing that covers the skin.
• Hydrate with water throughout the day, avoiding caffeine and sugary beverages.
• … (continue the list)