Agencies urging heat, boating safety for 4th

Local residents were getting a slight respite from extreme heat Monday and Tuesday, but don’t expect the milder temperatures to last long, the National Weather Service said.

A heat wave over much of the U.S. drove temperatures into the high 90s this past week and included a predicted heat index of 104 degrees in Laurens County on Sunday. The NWS issued a heat advisory Sunday south of I-85 as the heat index was predicted to rise to 107 in Anderson County, 106 in Greenwood.

Monday was also the anniversary for the highest temperature recorded in the Greenville-Spartanburg area – a record 107 degrees set on July 1, 2012.

A cold front moved in Monday night, arriving with drier air and temperatures in the mid-80s throughout the day Tuesday.

Temperatures in the 90s were expected Wednesday for Laurens’ annual Freedom Fest celebration, part of a continuing climb in temperatures through Friday with Thunderstorms predicted in the county over the weekend.

A high of 95 is forecast for Friday.

The NWS and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources also offered tips for dealing with the heat while outdoors, including:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Beverages with electrolytes can also help protect against heat stress.

• Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every two hours.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.

• Take regular breaks in the shade.

• Schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.

SCDNR is also participating this week in Operation Dry Water, a national campaign designed to educate recreational boaters on the dangers of boating under the influence and to enforce BUI laws.

Operation Dry Water is to begin Thursdy and run through the weekend on Lake Greenwood and other lakes and waterways across the state.

Officers from SCDNR will be “on heightened alert” to find impaired boaters and remove them from the water.