South Carolina — Cold air bites early across the Midlands this morning as damp pavement quietly turns slick before sunrise. Headlights catch a faint sheen on roads and sidewalks, a warning sign many drivers won’t notice until it’s too late. MLK Day begins calm, but winter hazards are already in motion.
The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a Special Weather Statement for patchy black ice across central South Carolina, including Columbia and nearby communities. Lingering moisture from earlier rainfall combined with temperatures in the mid-20s has allowed icy spots to form. Bridges, overpasses, parking lots, and untreated roads are most vulnerable through the early morning hours.
Travel impacts are expected to be isolated but sudden. Even one icy stretch can trigger spin-outs or rear-end crashes. Pedestrians face added risk on slick sidewalks and driveways. Slow speeds and deliberate steps matter most right now.
Conditions steadily improve later today as sunshine strengthens. Afternoon highs reach the low 50s, allowing frozen patches to melt. For now, though, shaded roads may stay icy longer than expected. Drivers along I-26 and I-20 should remain alert during early holiday travel.
Tonight turns mostly clear and cold again, with lows dropping into the mid-20s. Another brief window of refreezing is possible before temperatures rebound Tuesday. By midweek, the weather pattern shifts noticeably. Wednesday brings highs near the low 50s, followed by a slight chance of rain mixed with snow Wednesday night. Impacts appear limited, but timing bears watching.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook hints at increasing precipitation chances across the Southeast late next week, while colder air remains nearby. Winter isn’t finished yet, even as short warmups arrive.
Take extra care early today. Conditions improve fast, but winter mistakes happen faster.
Are you seeing icy patches where you live?
5-Day Outlook: Columbia, SC
- Today (MLK Day): Sunny, early ice risk, high near 51°F
- Tonight: Mostly clear, low near 24°F
- Tuesday: Sunny and calm, high near 48°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 52°F
- Wednesday Night: Slight chance rain/snow mix, low near 35°F
