Central South Carolina, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Central South Carolina is bracing for an intense heat wave this weekend, with temperatures soaring between 101°F to 103°F and heat indexes reaching alarming levels. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak hours, and protect vulnerable individuals from the oppressive heat. Clear skies are expected, but the heat dome means discomfort will prevail. As temperatures remain high, an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect, prompting weather advisories throughout the region. Relief may be on the horizon as temperatures are expected to dip slightly by Sunday.
Central South Carolina Under a Heat Dome: Brace for the Scorching Days Ahead!
Folks in Central South Carolina, get ready to feel the heat like never before! This weekend is shaping up to be a real scorcher, with highs soaring near 90°F and peaking at an astonishing 114°F heat index that could leave you gasping for cool air. As we embrace the late-summer heat, temperatures are set to climb steadily, bringing some serious discomfort.
According to the latest updates, the National Weather Service predicts clear blue skies on Thursday with a high of 90°F. But don’t think the relief will last long. By Friday and Saturday, brace yourselves as the mercury rises to 92°F and beyond. Nighttime may bring a little comfort with lows around 65°F, but that’s hardly enough to offset the daytime heat.
Roadways Heating Up
Planning any travel this weekend? Be aware that the sizzling temperatures are likely to push pavement temps sky-high, especially on major routes like I-26 and I-77. If you’re hitting the road, expect some uncomfortable travel conditions. Take a moment to check your vehicle before embarking on longer journeys, especially if you have little ones or furry friends in tow. Remember, heat builds quickly inside parked cars and can be dangerous for everyone.
Areas like Lexington, Irmo, and Cayce will also be subjected to these hot and arid conditions. Luckily, your weekend plans aren’t likely to be disrupted by rain, so you can enjoy the sunshine—just don’t forget to stay hydrated!
Extreme Heat Watch in Effect
Ready for a gut-check? Temperatures are expected to reach a blistering 101°F to 103°F this weekend. The heat index values will push between 110°F and 114°F across the region starting Saturday and lasting until next Thursday. The combination of heat and humidity can be downright unbearable, so make sure you have a plan to stay cool.
Expert advice suggests you limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty of water, and keep an eye on vulnerable individuals. And don’t forget to dress smart: light-colored, loose clothing will be your best friend!
An Ominous Heat Dome
This heatwave is brought to you by a high-pressure system affectionately called a “heat dome.” This pesky system is causing dry conditions and long stretches of sunshine. As a result, heat advisories and weather alerts are in place, warning folks about the extreme temperatures we can expect through the middle of next week.
By Sunday, we’ll see a slight dip as temperatures settle in the upper 80s, but afternoon highs still hovering around 101°F will challenge anyone attempting to carry on with outdoor activities. Just when you think it couldn’t get worse, an Extreme Heat Watch is now in effect for Monday, signaling that we may be in for an even more oppressive stretch of weather.
Looking a bit further ahead, the ridge of high pressure will start to weaken later in the week, leading to a potential respite as rain and thunderstorms may finally return to the forecast. Until then, keep those water bottles full and prioritize staying cool!
Your Essential Hot Weather Checklist
- Stay hydrated at all times
- Limit outdoor activities, especially during peak afternoon hours
- Keep an eye on pets and kids
- Wear light, breathable clothing
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expected high temperatures in Central South Carolina?
High temperatures this weekend are forecasted between 101°F to 103°F, with heat index values expected to peak from 110°F to 114°F.
How can residents stay safe during the heat wave?
Residents are cautioned to limit outdoor time, drink plenty of water, check on vulnerable individuals, and wear light-colored, loose clothing.
Will the roads remain clear?
The absence of storms means roads will likely remain clear, but extreme sunshine may challenge outdoor workers and event organizers in the Midlands.
When is the cooling trend expected?
Temperatures are expected to slightly decrease to the upper 80s by Sunday, under partly sunny skies.
Key Features of the Heat Wave
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| High Temperatures | 101°F to 103°F |
| Heat Index | 110°F to 114°F |
| Nighttime Lows | Around 65°F |
| Expected Relief | Upper 80s by Sunday |
| Heat Advisories | In effect from Saturday through next Thursday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Southeast U.S. Faces Scorching Heat Wave
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Additional Resources
- WACH: Scorching Heat Wave Grips South Carolina
- WLTX: South Carolina Braces for Record Heat
- WIS: First Alert Weather Days for Extreme Heat
- WMBF: Historic Heatwaves in the Carolinas
- WLTX: Palmetto State Braces for Dangerous Heat Wave
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Google Search: South Carolina Weather Heat Wave
- Google Scholar: Heat Waves
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat Wave
- Google News: South Carolina Extreme Heat
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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