Over the next day or two, the National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s in some parts of South Carolina, with the heat index reaching above 100 degrees.

The heat index indicates how hot it actually feels to the body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. The heat index increases as the air temperature and relative humidity increase. Humid conditions make the body feel warmer.

When the body gets too hot, it uses sweat to cool off.  If that sweat is not able to evaporate, the body cannot regulate its temperature and struggles to cool itself.  When sweat evaporates, it reduces the body’s temperature

As you move about during these and other hot days to come, DHEC urges you to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s three tips for preventing heat-related illnesses: Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay informed.

Stay cool:

• Wear appropriate, lightweight clothing
• Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully
• Pace yourself; cut down on exercising when it is hot
• Wear sunscreen

DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN CARS, EVEN IF THE WINDOW IS CRACKED!

Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of fluids (Avoid very sugary or alcoholic drinks)
• Replace salt and minerals lost due to sweating
• Keep your pets hydrated

Stay Informed

• Check for weather updates via local news
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses
• Monitor those at high risk:
• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age or older
• People who are overweight
• People who overexert during work or exercise
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression or poor circulation
• Visit and closely watch adults at risk at least twice a day

Visit the CDC website for more information on extreme heat.