rss
mobile
Temperatures for the Savannah area, which is closest to Beaufort County for historical temperature figures.
| Month | Normal average | 2010 average | 2011 average |
| May | 72.8 | 75.9 | 75 |
| June | 78.8 | 83.6 | 83 |
| July | 82.1 | 83.9 | 84.2 |
Source: The National Weather Service in Charleston
The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette correct all errors of fact. If you see an error in this article, please call the city desk at 843-706-8139. Corrections and clarifications will appear in this space.
Web sites may link directly to search results and individual articles without permission.
Up to one paragraph of text may be included from an article as long as full attribution is given and the attribution links back to the full article.
To republish more than one paragraph of text, please contact us for permission.
The good news: Tropical Storm Emily no longer exists.
The bad news: No storm means no rain or winds to offer some relief from the oppressive heat.
The very bad news: Expect heat indexes over 105 degrees to last through the end of next week.
Emily caused major floods and damaged hundreds of homes in Haiti before it dissipated Thursday afternoon over Hispaniola. National Hurricane Center forecasters in Miami said the storm is now a low-pressure system. All watches and warnings were canceled, and no rain from the storm is expected in South Carolina.
As the storm was disintegrating, the National Weather Service in Charleston issued its 18th heat advisory of the year for Beaufort County, again warning that heat-related illnesses are possible as high humidity with temperatures in the upper 90s lead to heat indexes of 110 to 114 degrees along the coast.
"Some of the highest values we'll see will be in Beaufort County because the humidity is higher along the coast with the moisture from the ocean," said meteorologist Jonathan Lamb.
The consistently hot weather made June and July ones for the record books.
Temperatures in the region broke 90 degrees 56 straight days until July 14, the longest such stretch on record, according to the weather service.
So far, though, last summer was worse in terms of the number of days with heat indexes above 105 degrees. The weather service issued 38 heat advisories in 2010, Lamb said.
"Early August is the hottest time of the year, but this summer has just been unseasonably warm due to high pressure that has persisted over the area," he said. "Normally, you have big ridges of high pressure in place, but it breaks down in three to four days and you get some relief with cloud cover and temperatures cool off a bit. But this year, these ridges have persisted over the eastern half of the country for weeks on end."
Hilton Head Hospital reported about 35 cases of heat-related illnesses -- including exhaustion, fainting, dizziness, cramping and dehydration -- in the past two weeks. Attempts Thursday to reach a Beaufort Memorial Hospital representative were unsuccessful.
Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville treated 15 cases of heat exhaustion in the past two weeks. Most were landscapers and construction workers, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
Dr. Paul Zorch at Coastal Carolina said that among those ill from the heat were a golfer and someone who had been sitting too long in a car.
Only one of the 15 was admitted to the hospital. The others were treated and released, Zorch said.
Residents and visitors exercise caution, he added.
"Be smart. You don't have to be in the heat," Zorch said.
Recognizing heat illness
The first signs may be stomach, arm or leg cramps, as well as swelling in the feet, legs and ankles. Another early sign might be dizziness or faintness. People taking certain medications, including beta-blockers, might be more prone to heat-related dizziness. If experiencing these symptoms, stop any physical activity and move to a cooler, shady area; drink plenty of fluids; and elevate legs. If these measures don't work, contact a doctor.
Heat exhaustion is the second stage of heat illness. This means the body can't keep itself cool. Symptoms may include thirst, dizziness, weakness, lack of coordination, nausea and profuse sweating. Body temperature will be normal, but skin will feel cold and clammy. If you recognize signs of heat exhaustion, follow the steps listed above. If not feeling better soon, seek emergency medical care.
The final stage is heat stroke, which requires immediate emergency care. This is a life-threatening illness, in which the body can't regulate its temperature by sweating. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage or death occur. The warning signs of heat stroke include a body temperature of 103 degrees or more; red, hot and dry skin; lack of sweating; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; mental confusion; and loss of consciousness.
Anyone with these symptoms should be taken immediately to the closest emergency facility. Call 911 for emergency assistance and start trying to cool the person until help arrives.
Source: Hilton Head Hospital
Avoiding heat stroke
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity can create life-threatening illness. Local emergency room physicians and the National Weather Service encourage people to take the following precautions:
Caring for pets
Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration and heat stroke if overexposed, said Franny Gerthoffer, executive director of the Hilton Head Humane Association. She recommends the following:
Call the Hilton Head Humane Association at 843-681-8686 for assistance.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow reporter Tom Barton at twitter.com/EyeOnHiltonHead.
Related content