Hot weather continues for much of the upcoming week, but as the ridge of high pressure that’s baking us slides westward, that will allow for some moisture to work its way back in, inviting showers and thunderstorms to develop each afternoon on the seabreeze.

Sunday’s going to be a very hot day across the area, with extreme heat expected across the Charleston metro especially as we get into the afternoon. The overnight and morning really won’t offer much relief, with air temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s for lows expected. This could keep heat indices over 90° especially closer to the coast, including downtown, for much of the night. Once the sun comes up, we’ll warm up very quickly; heat indices should be over 100° by 10-11am. Air temperatures should peak near 100° in the afternoon, and if we reach the triple digits at the airport, it’ll at least tie a record high (100°, set in 2005) as well as the first time since May 27, 2019 that the high temperature reached the century mark in Charleston. Mix in humidity and it will feel like 115° and perhaps even hotter, especially in the wake of the seabreeze as dewpoints surge behind it. The strong ridge of high pressure will put the kibosh on any thunderstorm activity, so don’t look for any relief from Mother Nature on Sunday.

Heat indices over 110° are dangerous to everyone. Make sure you’re getting any exercise in during the early hours, get plenty of fluids if you must be outdoors, and take frequent breaks.

This is one of those weekends where you probably want to just stay in a nice, cool place as a heat wave begins to ramp up across the Lowcountry, with the potential for several record highs and record warm low temperatures to occur starting Saturday through much of next week.

Anomalously strong high pressure builds in aloft starting Friday, bringing about the hottest weather of the year. We’ll challenge record high temperatures as well as record warm low temperatures, with heat advisories and even Extreme Heat Warnings a likelihood.