Columbia, S.C. – Scattered storms could bring heavy rain and brief gusty winds to central South Carolina by late Tuesday morning, complicating travel plans ahead of the holiday. Highs near 91°F and a heat index peaking at 101°F will combine with unstable air to trigger downpours between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, the strongest thunderstorms will likely develop during the early afternoon, especially near I-20 and I-26 corridors. Tuesday’s rain chances increase to 60% after 11 a.m., with possible downpours and lightning impacting midday commutes or outdoor events. Rain amounts may reach a half inch in localized areas.
Columbia, Lexington, and Sumter should prepare for sudden downpours and brief flooding in low-lying streets. Keep devices charged, and avoid driving through standing water. Winds may gust up to 20 mph as storms push through between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday night will remain humid with scattered showers.
By midweek, drier air returns. Wednesday will bring a mix of sun and storms with highs in the upper 80s. Thursday and Friday stay sunny and hot, reaching 95°F on Independence Day. No rain is expected for fireworks Friday night. The weekend stays clear and warmer, with highs in the mid-90s Saturday and Sunday.
📆 Columbia 6-Day Weather Outlook (July 1–6):
- Tuesday: Showers & storms likely after 11 a.m., high near 91°F
- Wednesday: Storms taper off, then mostly sunny, high 88°F
- Thursday: Sunny and hot, high 93°F
- Friday: Mostly clear, high of 95°F
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 93°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 94°F
