Excessive heat warning issued for Saturday

Published 3:55 pm Friday, July 19, 2019

An excessive heat warning from 11 a.m. until 7p.m. Saturday will be in effect for Beaufort County. A heat advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. Friday evening. The excessive heat watch is no longer in effect.

Heat index values between 105 and 113 degrees are expected. Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light-weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911.

An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.