On Thursday, the Excessive Heat Warning continued for Bryan County and surrounding coastal counties. The warning will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday night. No cooling down is expected this week, with an Excessive Heat Watch in effect for Friday. The Weather Service said that highs will once again range from 102 inland, to mid-90s closer to the coast. Combined with high humidity levels, Thursday afternoon heat indices are estimated to reach 113 to 118 degrees. Some locations 10 to 20 miles inland could see temperatures exceed 120 degrees. Heat indices at the beaches are estimated to reach 112. The Weather Service said these dangerously hot and humid weather conditions will continue through Friday, with indices expected to reach 115. Friday’s Watch could be upgraded to a Warning sometime Thursday. Residents of Bryan County are strongly advised for to:- Drink plenty of fluids,- Stay in air-conditioning and out of the sun,- Check on relatives, neighbors, the elderly and small children,- Never leave a child or pet in the car, even with the windows rolled down, and- Provide pets plenty of fresh water and shade if they are outside. The excessive heat and humidity will make for dangerous conditions if proper precautions are not taken, the Weather Service said. Conditions that the county is currently experiencing can cause death, by taking the human body past its ability to cool itself, the Weather Service said. They estimate 175 people die each year from exposure to excessive heat. Jan Bass, community development for the City of Richmond Hill, said she was not aware of any fans or other help being provided for anyone in need. But, she said the community is generally aware of how hot Coastal Georgia can get in the summer. “I think we’re pretty well prepared here in this area,” she said Wednesday afternoon. The Richmond Hill Fire Department also said they were not aware of any specific places that might provide help or refuge from the heat. Jim Anderson, EMS Director for Bryan County, and Memorial Health hospital were unable to be reached for comment as of Thursday. Regional Red Cross Chapter in Savannah was not taking any non-emergency phone calls on Thursday, due to the high volume of calls they were receiving.
Dangerous heatwave persists
