Columbia, South Carolina – A noticeable shift in weather is on the way for central South Carolina as near-average January temperatures give way to colder air later this week, bringing a brief rain chance and the coldest nights seen so far this month.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, temperatures across the Midlands will remain near seasonal levels Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of an approaching cold front. Highs in Columbia, Lexington, and Sumter are expected to reach the upper 50s to near 60 degrees Tuesday, cooling slightly into the mid to upper 50s Wednesday.
A weak weather system will accompany the front on Wednesday into Wednesday night, bringing a slight chance for light rain. Rainfall is expected to be scattered and brief, with many locations seeing little to no measurable precipitation. No travel disruptions are anticipated, though damp roads may affect the Wednesday evening commute.
The bigger impact arrives behind the front. Colder air will spill into the region late Wednesday night into Thursday, dropping daytime highs Thursday into the lower to mid-40s. Temperatures will fall quickly after sunset, setting up a much colder night across central South Carolina.
By Thursday night, lows are expected to plunge into the upper teens to lower 20s across much of the Midlands, including Columbia and surrounding communities. These temperatures could threaten sensitive plants and outdoor plumbing and may be the coldest readings of the winter so far for some areas.
While no winter precipitation is expected, the sudden drop in temperatures may catch some residents off guard after several milder days. Clear skies and light winds will allow cold air to settle efficiently overnight.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for the colder weather by protecting plants, checking heating systems, and bringing pets indoors Thursday night. Drivers heading out early Friday morning should also be prepared for a very cold start.
The colder pattern looks to persist into late week before a gradual moderation in temperatures. Additional updates are expected as the cold front moves through and confidence increases in how low temperatures will fall late Thursday night.
