Dangerous heat wave lingers; warnings continue

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SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - It's going to be another sweltering day in several counties in Georgia and South Carolina.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. The warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously high temperatures can be expected.

The warning has been issued for these Georgia counties: Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Bulloch, Screven, Candler, Evans, Tattnall, Toombs, McIntosh and Long. It also affects these South Carolina counties: Hampton, Jasper and Beaufort.

Temperatures in locations away from the immediate coast are expected to be in the upper 90s to 102 degrees. Those temperatures combined with high levels of humidity will produce heat index values of 112 to 116 degrees on Friday afternoon. Humidity levels are expected to surge across the coastal counties by mid to late afternoon as the sea breeze moves inland, which will push heat index values to between 117 and 121 degrees for an hour or two, according to NWS.

This level of heat is extremely dangerous. The risk of heat-related illnesses will be especially high due to the length of this heat wave.

The NWS is recommending the people avoid going outside and staying in air conditioning on Friday afternoon if possible. Short-term exposure to the heat will be dangerous, the agency warns. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of decaffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids. Wear a hat, sunscreen and lightweight and light-colored clothes.