Columbia, S.C. – The pavement is already warming under bright sunshine, and the air feels heavier by the hour across central South Carolina. By this afternoon, stepping outside could feel like walking into a sauna as dangerous heat combines with building humidity before scattered thunderstorms develop later in the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Heat Advisory remains in effect from noon until 8 p.m. EDT, with heat index values climbing as high as 108 degrees. The advisory covers much of central South Carolina and portions of east-central Georgia, where prolonged exposure could quickly lead to heat-related illness.
High temperatures are expected to reach 96 degrees this afternoon under mostly sunny skies. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 2 p.m., with rain chances around 20 percent. While storms will remain scattered, any that form could produce brief heavy rainfall, gusty winds and dangerous lightning.
Travel conditions should remain favorable through much of the morning, but motorists along Interstates 20, 26 and 77, as well as U.S. 378 and U.S. 1, should watch for rapidly changing weather late in the day. Wet pavement and sudden downpours could slow traffic during the evening commute.
Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles. Vehicles can reach life-threatening temperatures within minutes.
Sunday remains hot with highs near 95 degrees and another chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Similar summer weather continues into Monday before another round of scattered storms arrives Tuesday. Longer-range outlooks favor above-normal temperatures heading into late next week, keeping the midsummer pattern firmly in place across the Midlands.
Are you feeling the heat where you live? Let us know how conditions look in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbia, South Carolina
- Sunday: Mostly sunny with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 95°F, Low 75°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 94°F, Low 75°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High 95°F, Low 76°F.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 95°F, Low 74°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny with scattered afternoon thunderstorms possible. High 91°F, Low 72°F.
