Good News Baptist Church on Hwy. 14 was letting the motorists know how warm Friday was becoming. The same forecast is schedule today with a second consecutve 104 degree temperature expected.
The stage at City Hall will get full sun throughout the day during the Freedom Blast performances. High velocity fans will be used to keep a breeze directed at the performers on the stage.
Remember how Friday felt with the record for the date at 105 degrees, 4 degrees higher than the previous standard, with a heat advisory coupled with an air quality alert. Because that’s how you’re going to feel Saturday. Friday’s high temperature was four degrees warmer than the previous 101.
Saturday’s high temperature is forecast at 105 degrees – one more than the high of 104 set previously. There is no rain forecast.
Fire Chief Chris Harvey said, “We’re a little concerned about the weather. We’ve had discussions on each shift and are telling the team leaders we want them to react more than normal and don’t hesitate to call in for extra help.”
Harvey said he is reminding the firefighters and the public to stay hydrated. “When the body stops sweating that’s when you get concerned,” he said.
Freedom Blast begins at 5 p.m. with Greer Idol Teen and the inflatables opening. Greer Idol is at 6, Groove Planet at 7:45, Armed Forces Salute at 9:45 and fireworks at 10 p.m.
“We’re advising people to have adequate cooling,” Harvey said. “And we’re suggesting they stay out of the hot weather. Visit the library or the mall. We will have misters at the park for people to go under them.”
The City of Greer has made preparations for the festival. “The misters are ideal for evaporative cooling and we'll be reminding visitors to drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated,” said Steve Owens, Communications Manager for the city. “Anyone who feels overheated during the event may visit one of the two first aid stations being staffed by Greer Memorial Hospital and City of Greer Fire Department personnel. Hall A in City Hall is being used for this purpose and will provide a respite should anyone need it.”
Police and fire officials, recreation staff and volunteers will be monitoring the crowd to spot any individual of heat-related issues. Harvey said
“We're also taking precautions with the performers because the stage will get full sun until sunset,” Owens said. “High velocity fans will help keep a breeze on the stage and, fortunately, the Greer Idol and Greer Idol Teen individual performances will be relatively brief. The sun should be an issue for only the first 45 minutes or so of the headliner concert.”
Harvey reminds people coming to today’s concert to wear lightweight clothing, use sunscreen and adults need to watch their children.
“We have to realize it's mid-summer in South Carolina and people should recognize their own tolerance to heat when preparing for the festival,” Owens said. “We're prepared for lighter than usual crowds during the late afternoon and early evening, but expect a packed City Park once the sun sets and the temperature begins to fall.”
Harvey said the city’s staff of recreation, fire, police and volunteers will be more observant with the crowd to spot check people. “It’s important for adults to monitor their children and make sure they are hydrated, too,” Harvey said.