Columbia, SC – Residents across the Palmetto State are feeling a sudden surge of early summer heat as temperatures are set to climb to a staggering 89°F by Friday afternoon. The transition from a mild morning at 57°F to an 81°F high today marks the beginning of a rapid warming trend that will challenge regional records and impact commuters on Interstates 26 and 77.
According to the National Weather Service, the current overcast conditions at Jim Hamilton L.B. Owens Airport will give way to mostly sunny skies by the midday hour. Calm winds this morning are expected to shift, becoming southwest at 5 to 7 mph this afternoon, further ushering in the unseasonably warm air mass.
The heat intensity peaks tomorrow with a high near 89°F under clear, sunny skies. While the “summer vibes” may be welcome for early gardeners, the rapid warm-up significantly increases the pollen count across Richland and Lexington counties. Local health officials advise residents with spring allergies to limit outdoor exposure during the peak heating hours of 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A sharp shift arrives late Friday night as a cold front moves through. According to the latest models, west winds could gust as high as 21 mph after midnight, dropping Saturday’s high to a much crisper 66°F. This 23-degree plunge highlights the volatility of March weather in the Carolinas. Travelers should prepare for a sunny but significantly cooler weekend, with Saturday night lows dipping to 40°F.
Five Day Forecast for Columbia, SC
- Thursday: Mostly sunny with a high near 81°F. Southwest winds 5 to 7 mph.
- Friday: Sunny and hot with a high near 89°F. West winds 6 to 13 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny and cooler with a high near 66°F.
- Sunday: Sunny with a high near 67°F.
- Monday: Sunny with a high near 77°F.
