Columbia, South Carolina – A cold start is gripping the Midlands early this morning, with frost creating potential hazards for early commuters and sensitive plants before a rapid warm-up takes hold by mid-morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Frost Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Thursday across central South Carolina, including Richland, Lexington, and Orangeburg counties. Early temperatures dipped into the 30s, allowing frost to form on exposed surfaces, especially in rural and low-lying areas.
Cities like Columbia, Orangeburg, and nearby Augusta are seeing sunrise temperatures climb quickly after daybreak, with highs expected to reach the mid to upper 60s by this afternoon under partly to mostly sunny skies. Any frost will dissipate within hours as sunlight increases.
Drivers should remain alert for isolated slick spots on bridges early this morning, while residents are urged to protect sensitive vegetation during the final hours of cold exposure.
The warming trend accelerates into Friday, with highs pushing into the low 70s and continued dry weather across the region. No additional cold weather alerts are expected after this morning, but updates will be issued if conditions change.
