Columbia, South Carolina – Cold temperatures across the Midlands today will drop sharply tonight, bringing widespread lows in the teens and dangerous wind chills by early Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, afternoon temperatures today are expected to remain in the 30s before rapidly falling after sunset. Overnight lows are forecast to reach the mid to lower teens, with a few colder locations potentially dropping into the single digits.
Wind chills will make conditions feel even colder overnight. Forecast wind chill values across Richland, Lexington, and surrounding counties are expected to fall into the single digits, with some areas briefly nearing 5 degrees by early Monday morning.
The coldest conditions are expected along and near major travel corridors including Interstate 26, Interstate 20, Interstate 77, and U.S. Highway 378, where exposed areas may experience stronger radiational cooling. While no precipitation is expected, the combination of cold temperatures and light winds could create hazardous conditions for anyone outdoors overnight or during the early morning commute.
The National Weather Service advises residents to take precautions to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes. Outdoor pets should be brought inside, and exposed plumbing should be insulated to prevent freezing. Those without adequate heating are urged to seek warming shelters where available.
Temperatures are expected to slowly rebound Monday afternoon, though readings will remain below seasonal averages. Another cold night is possible before a gradual warming trend later in the week.
The overnight freeze may impact early-morning commuters, students waiting at bus stops, and outdoor workers across the Columbia metro area and the broader Midlands region.
