Columbia, S.C. – A hot, dry stretch across the Midlands will give way to a stormier pattern late this week, with thunderstorms likely to impact Columbia and surrounding areas starting Thursday afternoon. Temperatures will climb into the low 90s through midweek, with Wednesday topping out near 94 degrees under mostly sunny skies.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, scattered storms are expected after 2 p.m. Thursday, with the chance of rain increasing to 60% by Thursday night. Some storms could bring brief downpours, gusty winds, and lightning, raising concerns for commuters on I-26 and I-20.
The unsettled pattern will continue into Friday, when showers and thunderstorms are likely, especially in the afternoon. Highs will dip into the mid-80s as clouds and rain increase. Lexington, Irmo, and Cayce could see the heaviest rainfall late Thursday into Friday morning, which may slow travel and impact outdoor events.
Residents are advised to monitor updates, avoid flooded roadways, and prepare for possible power outages where storms linger. Conditions are expected to improve by the weekend, though scattered showers remain possible Saturday.
Warnings remain possible later this week as confidence grows in the storm setup.
Five Day Forecast for Columbia, SC
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 89.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 92.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 94.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, storms after 2 p.m., high near 92.
- Friday: Showers and storms likely, high near 84.
