South Carolina weather is turning increasingly tropical across the Midlands this afternoon as lingering fog gives way to developing thunderstorms and sticky summer humidity. Damp pavement shimmered across downtown Columbia late this morning while low clouds slowly lifted along Interstate 20 and Interstate 26. Visibility dropped below a half mile earlier in parts of the region, creating hazardous travel conditions before gradual improvement near midday.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, patchy fog continues impacting portions of central South Carolina and east-central Georgia this morning, especially near low-lying roads and river valleys. Drivers encountering dense fog should use low-beam headlights and increase following distance.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to intensify through the afternoon and evening with temperatures climbing near 83 degrees around Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Rainfall totals between a quarter and half inch are possible today, though localized heavier downpours may quickly flood low spots and urban streets. Lightning and gusty winds remain the primary concerns through Memorial Day and Tuesday.
Meteorologists are now tracking a prolonged wet pattern settling over the Southeast through midweek. High temperatures rise into the upper 80s and near 90 degrees by Thursday across Columbia, Lexington and Sumter. That warmer, moisture-rich air will fuel repeated rounds of afternoon and evening thunderstorms each day.
Residents should stay weather-aware during the late afternoon commute. Ponding water may develop quickly along I-77, U.S. 378 and roads near creeks and drainage canals. Outdoor Memorial Day gatherings could also face sudden lightning interruptions with little warning.
The broader eastern United States remains locked in an active spring weather pattern through Memorial Day. While widespread severe weather is unlikely in the Midlands, isolated stronger storms could still produce hail and damaging wind gusts.
Long-range outlooks continue favoring above-normal temperatures into early June, signaling stronger summer heat settling into South Carolina after this stormy stretch.
Five Day Outlook for Columbia, South Carolina
- Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High near 85.
- Tuesday: Showers and storms continue. High near 87.
- Wednesday: Showers likely with afternoon thunderstorms. High near 88.
- Thursday: Partly sunny and hotter. High near 90.
- Friday: Thunderstorms remain possible with humid conditions. High near 87.
