Beaufort County is under an extreme heat watch as temperatures are forecast to almost top 100 degrees Fahrenheit Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for Beaufort County Wednesday and an extreme heat watch lasting through at least Thursday. Heat index values ​​are forecast to top out at 116 Friday and Saturday, well above levels that cause heat-related illnesses.
Here’s the extreme heat forecast for the rest of the week.
Advisories and watches
Heat advisories and extreme heat watches and warnings are differentand understanding them can help you stay safe.
A heat advisory is issued by the NWS when hazardous heat conditions are occurring but are not severe enough for an extreme heat warning. NWS’s Charleston Branch issues heat advisories when the heat index is forecast between 108 and 112.
A heat watch is issued when conditions are right for an extreme heat event, but the timing and likelihood are uncertain, according to the NWS. An extreme heat warning is issued when an extreme heat event is ongoing. NWS’s Charleston Branch issues extreme heat watches and warnings when the heat index is forecast at above 113.
The NWS recommends you avoid outdoor activities when an extreme heat warning is issued.
How hot will it get?
The NWS’s Charleston Branch expects the warmest temperatures of the heat wave to come Thursday and Friday, with 100 degree highs possible, according to a forecast discussion. Combined with high humidity, Beaufort County could see a heat index high of 116 by the weekend.
More advisories are expected through Saturday, and the extreme heat watch may become a warning if the heat index forecast does not change. The NWS’s HeatRisk map puts most of Beaufort County under its highest risk level — extreme — from Thursday to Saturday. The heat will reduce overnight cooling and affect anyone without access to cooling or hydration, as well as infrastructure, according to the NWS.
Here’s the temperature and heat index forecast through Saturday:
- Wednesday: High of 97, low of 79. Heat index of 108.
- Thursday: High of 99, low of 81. Heat index of 114.
- Friday: High of 99, low of 81. Heat index of 116.
- Saturday: High of 99, low of 79. Heat index of 116.
Thunderstorms are possible Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons and evenings. They could provide some late-day relief from the heat. To stay updated on the heat, visit the NWS’s Beaufort County forecast here.
This story was originally published August 12, 2026 at 10:22 AM.
