COLUMBIA, S.C. – Low clouds are stacking up over the Midlands this Sunday morning, a sure sign of change ahead. What begins as a calm, gray day will quickly turn wetter and breezier by Monday, signaling a fall pattern shift that brings both rain and cooler air through midweek. The air feels thicker today — a warning that umbrellas and slower drives may soon be part of the morning routine.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a developing coastal low will pull moisture inland Monday morning, spreading widespread showers across Richland, Lexington, and Kershaw Counties. Rain could be steady at times, with gusty northeast winds topping 20 mph, especially along I-26 and I-20 during the commute. Some neighborhoods could see a half-inch or more of rainfall by Monday night.
Tuesday looks less wet, but light rain may linger through the afternoon as the storm pulls away. Behind it, drier air arrives by Wednesday, bringing brighter skies and noticeably cooler afternoons. Temperatures will dip into the upper 40s by midweek nights, while daytime highs hover in the low 60s — classic fall weather for late October.
Residents planning Halloween events Friday can expect dry skies and crisp air, perfect for trick-or-treating or outdoor festivities. Jackets will be needed, but the chill will feel seasonal, not harsh. Gardeners should keep an eye on early morning lows late week as the first light frost hints could appear north of the city.
After Halloween, early signs point to a chillier start to November — the kind that reminds South Carolina it’s nearly winter’s turn.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbia, SC:
Sun: 66/51 – Mostly cloudy; mild and calm.
Mon: 59/51 – Rain likely; breezy northeast winds.
Tue: 59/48 – Scattered showers early; cooler late.
Wed: 63/47 – Mostly cloudy; stray shower possible.
Thu: 60/42 – Partly sunny; brisk, fall chill building.
