Aiken residents are experiencing a stretch of First Alert Weather Days as dangerous heat continues to grip the region through Saturday afternoon. Heat index values are expected to climb into the lower 100s across the Upstate each afternoon, posing health risks for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Thursday and Friday will see hot and humid conditions persist, driven by southerly flow from the Atlantic. Sunshine will dominate the skies, offering little relief from the heat. Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-90s in the Upstate, with feels-like temperatures ranging from 101 to 104 degrees. While there is a slight chance for isolated afternoon storms, primarily in the mountains, a stray shower could reach the Upstate. Officials advise drinking extra water even without feeling thirsty, avoiding peak heat hours between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and checking on elderly neighbors and pets. Extended outdoor activities should be avoided on Thursday and Friday.
Saturday will bring another hot and humid day to Aiken, with highs in the mid-90s and feels-like temperatures again in the lower 100s. A cold front approaching from the northwest is expected to bring isolated to widely scattered showers and storms in the late afternoon and evening. These storms, though potentially few, could produce damaging straight-line winds, wet microbursts, and heavy rain. Residents should remain on high alert for these dangerous conditions.
The cold front will move through overnight into Sunday, leading to more scattered showers and storms, particularly in the afternoon. While not a complete washout, Sunday is expected to see more storm activity than Saturday, though the severe threat appears low. Temperatures will drop slightly to around 90 degrees in the Upstate, still about five degrees above normal for early September. Humidity is forecast to decrease Sunday night, allowing lows to dip into the low to mid-60s, finally providing some relief.
Labor Day is expected to be much more pleasant, with highs in the mid-80s for the Upstate, which is around or just below normal for the holiday weekend. Lower humidity will make for a more comfortable day, though a chance for scattered showers and storms remains, likely in the morning as the front exits. Tuesday will stay comfortable with highs in the low to mid-80s and mainly sunny skies.
However, the heat is projected to return by Wednesday, with temperatures climbing back to around five degrees above normal. Highs will be near 90 degrees in the Upstate, with temperatures continuing to rise later in the week, bringing quiet, dry, and sunny days once again.
