AccuWeather predicts hotter summer for most of US. Here are tips to prepare from NOAA

Sizzling summer temperatures may have you cranking the air conditioner up to the maximum settings.

An AccuWeather report predicts that most of the U.S. will experience a hot summer this year, with some regions already experiencing summerlike conditions.

On April 29, Baltimore reached 90 degrees, a month ahead of its usual schedule. Phoenix's weather has also already peaked at 100 degrees, its earliest day at such temperatures in six years.

This year will be the second summer AccuWeather uses its Heatwave Counter and Severity Index to inform and prepare residents for the upcoming weather conditions.

When does summer begin in the U.S.? And what does this report mean for SC residents? Here's what to know from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) .

When does summer begin?

Saturday, June 1, marks the beginning of meteorological summer. Astronomical summer will begin on the solstice at 4:50 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 20.

What will summer be like in SC?

Eric Grow Cei with the NOAA predicts summer in SC will be "warmer and wetter than normal." From June through August, the chance for above-average temperatures is 40-50%, which is "leaning above average."

Summer months may bring severe weather

Although SC's severe weather reports are typically higher during the springtime, the summer months may bring severe weather, such as damaging wind gusts, flooding, large hail, thunderstorms, and tornadoes, according to the NOAA.

"All types of extreme weather (tornadoes, damaging winds, hail) are possible during the summer months, but the focus begins to shift from tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail in the spring to an increasing lightning threat during the summer months," said Aaron Treadway with the NWS.

AccuWeather also recently reported that SC would be at high risk for impact during hurricane season , which begins June 1 and runs through the end of November.

The National Weather Service (NWS) uses these two slogans as advice to residents wondering if they should tread outside in uncertain weather conditions: "When thunder roars, stay indoors" and "Turn around, don't drown." To learn more about weather preparedness and weather safety, visit the NWS Weather-Ready-Nation campaign .

NOAA shares how to prepare for the heat

∎ Make sure the air conditioner is functioning properly. If your home does not have air conditioning or loses power, visit a designated cooling shelter or other air-conditioned location such as the mall or public library.

∎ Check on friends, families, neighbors, and pets to ensure they are safe in the heat. It is important to check on those who live alone or do not have air conditioning.

∎ Never leave children, dependents, or pets unattended in vehicles. The sun can heat the inside of the car to deadly temperatures in minutes.

∎ Wear loose clothing that is light-colored and covers the skin.

∎ Hydrate with water throughout the day, avoiding caffeine and sugary beverages.

∎ Set aside one gallon of drinking water per person a day in case of a power outage.

∎ Keep out of the sun and stay indoors on the lowest level. Curtains and shades should be closed.

∎ Immerse yourself in a cool bath or shower. Cooling your feet off in water can also help.

∎ If temperatures are cool at night, let the cool air in by opening windows.

∎ If you are outside, stay in the shade. Apply sunblock and wear a wide-brimmed hat before going outside.

∎ To avoid heat exhaustion, do not engage in strenuous activities. Use a buddy system and take breaks in the shade when working in extreme heat.

∎ For critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS), tune into NOAA Weather Radio.

For more heat safety information, visit weather.gov/heat or heat.gov .

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: AccuWeather predicts hotter summer for most of US. Here are tips to prepare from NOAA