South Carolina – Cool air grips the early morning, but it won’t last long. Sunshine breaks through quickly today, and temperatures surge fast, flipping the script on February across the Midlands.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a strong warm front pushes north today, sending highs into the mid-70s across the capital city. Light winds turn southerly, helping temperatures jump more than 35 degrees from the early morning chill. By afternoon, jackets feel unnecessary, and springlike air settles in.
Clouds increase tonight as moisture deepens ahead of the next system. Wednesday brings rain, mainly during the morning and midday hours. Rainfall stays light, generally under a tenth of an inch, but wet pavement could slow traffic along I-26, I-20, and U.S. 378 during the commute. Visibility dips briefly during steadier showers.
Behind the rain, skies clear Wednesday night. Cooler air slides back in, though nothing extreme. Thursday stays sunny and mild with highs near 62, still above seasonal averages. Thursday night cools into the low 40s, keeping conditions comfortable for evening plans.
Friday and Saturday hold steady. Partly sunny skies and highs near 60 dominate the Valentine’s Day weekend, though clouds thicken late Saturday. Rain chances rise again Saturday night into Sunday, with periods of steady rain possible. Roads may stay slick at times, especially during heavier bursts.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook shows above-normal temperatures expanding across the Southeast. A broader warming trend sets up early next week, signaling a gradual seasonal shift. Despite frozen Great Lakes up north, the South continues leaning warmer.
Enjoy today’s warmth, but keep an umbrella handy midweek. February mood swings remain sharp.
How warm did it get in your neighborhood today?
Five-Day Outlook for Columbia
• Today: Sunny, very warm, high near 74
• Wednesday: Rain early, then clearing, high near 69
• Thursday: Sunny, high near 62
• Friday: Partly sunny, high near 60
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 60
