Extreme Heat & Storm Alerts: South Carolina is under dangerous heat this weekend, with “feels-like” heat index values pushing into the triple digits statewide; Lowcountry and Coast areas like Beaufort and Charleston face extreme heat alerts, while the Upstate and Piedmont see heat advisories as temperatures linger with little nighttime relief. Local Cooling Help: In the Charlotte region, Mecklenburg County is sharing weekend resources to beat the heat, including shelters and cooling stations. Severe Weather Risk: Alongside the heat, scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening, with damaging wind and localized flooding threats. Water Quality & Wildlife: A new South Carolina Sea Grant piece spotlights American alligators as “bioindicators” for contaminants, linking the state’s iconic wetlands wildlife to ongoing water quality research. Energy Efficiency: Dominion Energy is urging customers to set thermostats at 78°F or higher during peak heat, use fans, and seal leaks to lower cooling costs. EV Innovation: Clemson and BMW are testing Deep Orange 17, a solar-assisted electric vehicle prototype designed to generate more energy than it uses in everyday driving. Environmental Cleanup Fight: Environmental groups are challenging plans for new atomic weapons pit factories, citing a newly released JASON study summary that still supports continued production. Community Remediation: A Georgetown waterfront redevelopment effort is moving forward with state input on investigating and cleaning up a former steel mill site.