Forecast calls for break in heat as weak cold front moves in

Record-breaking high temperatures are expected to dissipate today and into the weekend as a weak cold front moves into the Upstate.

Wednesday's high of 99 degrees broke a previous record high of 98 degrees set in 2007, said National Weather Service Senior Meteorologist Harry Gerapetritis.

Scorching temperatures plagued most of South Carolina on Tuesday and Wednesday, prompting forecasters to issue a statement early Wednesday warning those who work outside to remain cautious as heat index values rose to 100 degrees by mid-afternoon.

Spartanburg Regional Medical Center had no reports of serious heat-related illnesses in its emergency department this week.

A Woodruff High School football player was taken to the hospital Tuesday after cramping on the practice field, said athletic director Scott Lawson. The player was given fluids through an IV on the ambulance ride, and the cramps subsided when he reached the hospital, Lawson said.

Coaches are taking multiple water breaks to hydrate players and help combat the heat's effects. Teams are practicing early in the morning or in the evening instead of during the hottest afternoon hours.

Relief is in sight for Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties as a cold front moves into the area from Kentucky this evening, Gerapetritis said. Forecasters are calling for highs today near 93 degrees with a 40 percent chance of precipitation in the afternoon. Rainfall is expected to be minimal, but some thunderstorms could be severe. A few thunderstorms could have damaging winds and hail, Gerapetritis said.

Highs of 88 and 86 degrees are expected Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Aside from this afternoon, no precipitation is in the short-term forecast.

The Upstate is in desperate need of significant rainfall, since the Spartanburg area is 10.05 inches behind in average precipitation for the year.

The state Drought Response Committee on Tuesday added nine counties to five Upstate counties already in extreme drought status. Anderson, Abbeville, McCormick, Edgefield, Saluda, Greenwood, Laurens, Newberry and Laurens counties were placed in the most serious drought category, with no significant rainfall expected in the short-term forecast and declining hydrological conditions in those areas. Cherokee, Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties were placed in the extreme category on June 30.

Staff writer Jason Gilmer contributed to this report.