Orangeburg's been hotter, but not by much.

Temperatures reached 103 degrees in the Garden City Wednesday, bringing the city close to its August record of 106 degrees set on Aug. 6, 1954 and again on Aug. 2, 1999.

As the temperature rose and people turned up their air conditioners, the city did break one record. The Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities reported the peak power usage on the utility's system Wednesday afternoon was 197.4 megawatts at 3:45 p.m.

The usage broke the previous all-time mark of 196 megawatts, set July 29, 2005.

The utility also broke an all-time kilowatt hours served record at 3 million, breaking the previous record of 2.8 million also set on July 29, 2005.

Utility officials say there have been no problems with the system as a result of the increased use.

The Times and Democrat Region was under an excessive heat warning Wednesday and will be under one Thursday from noon to 7 p.m.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 100 degree to 105 degree range on Thursday. The high humidity will make it feel like it's 110 to 114 degrees.

Additional heat advisories or excessive heat warnings may be issued later in the week. An excessive heat warning means that prolonged periods of dangerously hot temperatures and high humidity could cause heat-related illnesses to those outdoors for a prolonged period of time.

People are encouraged to drink water, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives, neighbors and pets.

High temperatures through Friday are expected to reach 100, with a slight cool down for the weekend with temperatures Saturday and Sunday at 94 and 92 degrees, respectively.

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

You must be logged in to comment.