An early-summer heat wave is producing some of the hottest temperatures of the year so far across the Carolinas, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and prompting the issuance of heat alerts.

A stout upper-level ridge of high pressure is expected to continue dominating conditions across the Southeast through at least the first half of the weekend.

The weather pattern will allow temperatures to climb well into the 90s across much of the Carolinas, while humidity levels push heat index values into the triple digits.

In Columbia, temperatures are forecast to reach 99 degrees on Friday and 98 degrees on Saturday afternoon, making it one of the warmest locales.

The expected temperatures will come within about one degree of the daily record high of 100 degrees, which was set back in 1977.

While nearly all communities will fall short of setting new records, the combination of the heat and humidity is expected to create dangerous conditions for those spending extended time outdoors.

Heat index values, which account for both the air temperature and humidity, are expected to exceed 100 degrees across parts of the state on Friday and Saturday.

National Weather Service forecasters noted that early-season heat can be more dangerous than similar conditions later in the summer because many people have not yet become acclimated to warm temperatures.

The NWS has issued a Heat Advisory for portions of the Pee Dee through 8 p.m. Friday, where heat index values could reach as high as 106 degrees.

In the alerted areas, residents who must be outdoors are encouraged to move strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours when temperatures are somewhat cooler.

Additionally, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help lessen the impacts of the heat.

NOAA’s HeatRisk index has placed much of South Carolina in its “major” heat risk category, which is a Level 3 out of 4 on its scale.

The designation indicates weather conditions could significantly impact those without effective air conditioning or adequate hydration.

The first signs of relief are expected to arrive late in the weekend and early next week as precipitation chances increase with an approaching frontal boundary.

CONWAY, S.C. (WBTV) – The top two Republican candidates for South Carolina governor will debate live one week before their primary runoff election.

Republican candidates Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson will debate live on Tuesday, June 16 before their runoff election on June 23. You can watch the debate live starting at 7 p.m. in the video player up above.

In the state’s primary election on June 9, none of the Republican governor candidates had acquired enough votes to hold a majority and avoid a runoff.

Evette, the current South Carolina lieutenant governor, and Wilson, the current state attorney general, received the most votes in the primary. They will go head-to-head in a runoff election to determine the Republican nominee for the general election.

With Evette and Wilson headed to a runoff, the remaining candidates were knocked out of the Republican primary race for governor, including:

• U.S. Representative Nancy Mace
• U.S. Representative Ralph Norman
• Businessman Rom Reddy

State Senator Joshua Kimbrell and candidate Jacqueline Hicks DuBose both appeared on the Republican primary ballot, but were no longer in the running by Election Day.

By Thursday, June 11, Evette held nearly 29% of the vote, while Wilson held about 26%. All of the remaining candidates held below 20% of the vote.

In South Carolina, a candidate must hold 50% majority, plus one vote, in order to avoid a runoff. The winner of the runoff between Evette and Wilson will face the winning Democratic governor candidate Jermaine Johnson.

—> Read more: AP: State Rep. Jermaine Johnson is projected winner of 2026 Democratic primary for South Carolina governor

The primary runoff election will take place on Tuesday, June 23. One week prior, candidates Evette and Wilson will debate live at Coastal Carolina University.

The June 16 debate is the fourth of multiple gubernatorial debates that WBTV was streaming live this primary election cycle in South Carolina.

The South Carolina GOP has partnered with WBTV’s parent company Gray Media to broadcast and live stream a series of Republican debates surrounding the 2026 primary election. The June 16 debate will only be available to stream on WBTV, and won’t be broadcast in the Charlotte region.

How to watch on WBTV

You can watch the June 16 debate live using in the video player at the top of this article.

You can also find the debate on our live stream online right here, on our free app. Just search “WBTV” in the app store on your device.

The debate will only be available to WBTV viewers on streaming. The debate will run form 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On Tuesday, June 16, WBTV’s regular 7 p.m. newscast and 7:30 p.m. On Your Side Tonight show will not be available on stream due to the debate.

The South Carolina GOP debates are broadcast and streamed by several other Gray Media news stations in the state and surrounding states.

A look at the Republican candidates for governor

The following Republican candidates filed to run for South Carolina governor this year:

• Jacqueline Hicks DuBose
• Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette
• State Sen. Joshua Kimbrell
• U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace
• U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman
• Rom Reddy
• State Attorney General Alan Wilson

Three Democratic candidates also ran for governor of South Carolina in the primary election. State Rep. Jermaine Johnson won the Democratic nomination for governor in the June 9 primary, in which he faces an uphill battle: The state has not seen a Democratic governor since 2003.

The general election for South Carolina, and all other states, will take place on Nov. 3, 2026.

Three third-party candidates were expected to run in the fall, including: one Green Party candidate, one United Citizens Party candidate, and one Workers Party candidate.

Current-Gov. Henry McMaster (R) was not running for reelection in 2026 due to term limits. McMaster endorsed Lt. Gov. Evette in this election.

About Evette, Wilson

Here’s a look at the final two Republican candidates running for South Carolina governor.

Pamela Evette

Pamela Evette is the current lieutenant governor of South Carolina, and has held the position since 2019. She also owns a business in the city Travelers Rest.

Evette describes herself as a “staunch Trump conservative.” Her platform has included eliminating the state income tax, creating a “government efficiency” department, restricting abortion, limiting Chinese companies’ presence in South Carolina, and overall aligning with President Donald Trump’s agenda.

She received Trump’s endorsement in this election.

Alan Wilson

Alan Wilson is the current attorney general of South Carolina, and has served in that role since 2011. He’s the longest-serving attorney general in state history.

He has previously served as an assistant attorney general, and is a combat veteran.

Wilson’s platform includes supporting Trump administration-aligned policies, including ending funding for gender-affirming care, ending birthright citizenship and supporting anti-abortion laws.

Click here for more South Carolina news

The South Carolina Buc-ee’s is off Interstate 95 in Florence. The interstate also cuts through North Carolina.

The 53,000-square-foot outlet that opened in 2022 draws customers from North Carolina, which has not had a Buc-ee’s. But that’s about to change, after the Texas-based chain broke ground Wednesday on a location in Mebane.

For travelers, there’s a lot of reasons to stop at the store. For instance, there’s the 120 gas pumps. And electric charging stations.

Most folks, though, want to know what to expect when they go inside. Beverly Mahone, a writing consultant from Durham, was a recent visitor to the Florence Buc-ee’s. 

“A Target, WalMart, gas station all rolled into one,” she said. “There’s so much, from the moment we got into the parking lot.”

“We were greeted immediately,” she said. “Soon as we walked in the door, someone said, ‘Welcome to Buc-ee’s.’ And that was a good impression to me.”

Many people say their nose attracts them right to the center of the store. There’s food, food, food, and a treasure trove of jerky.

“There was many different types of jerky that I had never imagined they could make jerky,” Mahone said. “You know, there was garlic parmesan, and then there was some jalapeño honey.”

Managers say whatever travelers need, they find here.

“We should be able to take care of everybody in that car that’s out on the road,” said Kirk Boerner. He’s the district manager for Buc-ee’s.

“Different things from barbecue to chicken tenders, to dessert cups, package candy,” he said. “Whatever you want for your trip, we’re going to have at Buc-ee’s.”

Construction on the Mebane store is expected to finish in 2027. It will be bigger than the Florence outlet, at 74,000 square feet. 

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