South Carolina — Cold air sits heavy over the Midlands this morning, frosting rooftops and stiffening wet pavement before sunrise. Breath hangs in the air. Cars scrape thin ice from windshields. Winter conditions are firmly in place, and a quick shift is coming before the weekend.
Early temperatures in Columbia hover near 32 degrees, with light winds offering little help. Skies brighten later, and sunshine pushes highs into the upper 40s this afternoon. That brief warming masks a bigger setup unfolding through the region.
According to the National Weather Service, dry and calmer conditions hold through Thursday, followed by a stronger system arriving late Friday. Moisture moves in Friday night as colder air presses south, setting up a rain-to-snow transition across central South Carolina.
Friday daytime temperatures climb into the low 50s, but they fall quickly after sunset. Any rain that develops late Friday could flip to snow before dawn Saturday. That creates a flash-freeze risk on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses.
By Saturday, snow is likely in Columbia, with temperatures struggling to reach the mid-30s. Even light accumulation could impact travel due to cold ground temperatures. Drivers should watch I-26, I-20, and secondary roads, especially during the morning and evening hours.
Conditions improve slowly Saturday night into Sunday, though lingering slick spots may remain early. Sunday turns drier and colder, with highs near the mid-30s before gradual warming early next week.
Plan now if traveling this weekend. Allow extra time, slow down on cold pavement, and prepare vehicles for winter conditions. Keep an eye on updates as timing and snow amounts become clearer.
Five-Day Outlook for Columbia, South Carolina
Today: Becoming sunny, high near 48
Tonight: Clear, low near 24
Thursday: Increasing clouds, high near 45
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 51, rain/snow late
Saturday: Snow likely, high near 34
