Greenville started Tuesday, September 1, with clear skies and temperatures near 73 degrees, but the afternoon will bring a much harsher version of summer. The high is expected to reach 96 degrees, with dangerous triple-digit heat-index values expected east of the mountains.
The National Weather Service expects a sunny, dry day across the Greenville area, with dry conditions and light winds that will start from the north and later turn south. Tonight will stay mostly clear, with temperatures falling to about 74 degrees.
Triple-Digit Heat Indexes Continue Through Friday
The heat does not let up quickly. Wednesday is forecast to reach 97 degrees, while Thursday is forecast to reach 96 degrees; Wednesday’s heat index could hit 103. Friday will also be sunny with a high near 97.
The National Weather Service lists Greenville's daily record high temperature as 107°F, set on 9/8/1925. The National Weather Service says Greenville/Spartanburg climate records extend from 1884 to Present, with listed normals from 1981 to 2010.
NOAA reported that temperatures reached at least 100°F in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina over Memorial Day weekend in 2019.
Morning and evening plans should be more comfortable than afternoon errands, outdoor work or exercise. The combination of high temperatures, humidity and nearly calm winds will make the hottest part of the day feel especially oppressive.
Storm Chances Rise This Weekend
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives Saturday afternoon, although the day will still be sunny and hot with a high near 97. Sunday brings a better chance of afternoon storms at 40%, along with a lower high near 91 and an overnight low around 68.
Labor Day looks cooler, with partly sunny skies and a high near 85. That shift should offer some relief after several days of heat, even if outdoor plans may need a backup option.
Take The Heat Seriously
No watches, warnings or advisories are listed for South Carolina in the current forecast, but heat indexes greater than 105 degrees east of the mountains can still create real health risks. Staying hydrated, taking breaks in a cool place and watching for symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, headache or nausea can help during heat exposure.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, its heat-related illness dashboard tracks emergency department visits and hospitalizations from 2020-2024. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, there were 246 hospitalizations and 2,014 emergency department visits for heat-related illness in South Carolina from May to September in 2024. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, there were 209 hospitalizations and 1,814 emergency department visits for heat-related illness in South Carolina from May to September in 2022.
Tuesday’s forecast is dry, but the week’s bigger weather story is persistence: intense heat through Friday, increasing storm chances over the weekend and cooler conditions by Labor Day.
