Greenville, SC- A Heat Advisory is now in effect across Upstate South Carolina and portions of western North Carolina, with heat index values expected to reach as high as 107 degrees this afternoon — levels that health officials warn can become life-threatening in a matter of hours if residents are not careful.
The advisory runs from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and covers a wide stretch of communities including Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Laurens, Union, Newberry, Gaffney, and Chester in South Carolina, as well as Forest City, Shelby, and Lincolnton across the state line in North Carolina.
Heat index forecast 105°F to 107°F across the advisory zone — advisory in effect 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Greenwood, Hartwell, and Elberton mark the southwestern edge of the advisory zone, while Winnsboro and Chapin fall along the eastern boundary. Notably, mountain communities including Asheville, Hendersonville, and Waynesville are excluded from the advisory due to cooler conditions at higher elevations.
Officials are urging everyone in the advisory zone to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during peak afternoon hours, and check on elderly neighbors and young children who are at the highest risk. Those who must work or spend time outside are advised to take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Authorities stressed that while summer heat is common across the region, today’s heat index values represent a meaningfully elevated danger level above a typical summer afternoon. Anyone experiencing dizziness, heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, or confusion should seek immediate medical attention — these can be early warning signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Residents are also reminded to never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles under any circumstances during a heat advisory.
