Columbia, South Carolina – Thunderstorms could bring damaging wind gusts and up to three-quarters of an inch of rain to Columbia by Saturday night, prompting a weekend weather alert for central South Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service, a strong line of storms will begin developing Saturday afternoon, with the most intense rainfall and lightning arriving after 2 p.m. South winds may reach up to 21 mph, and rainfall rates could total between a half and three-quarters of an inch overnight Saturday. The most impacted areas include Columbia, Lexington, and stretches along I-20 and I-26. Drivers should plan for slick roads, possible flash flooding, and delays—especially Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
Sunday brings continued rain chances, with showers likely before 2 p.m. in Columbia and a 60% chance of precipitation throughout the region. Showers may taper off by Sunday evening, though damp roads could persist into Monday morning.
While Monday and Tuesday offer a break with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 80s, another system could develop by midweek. Thursday is expected to bring another round of spring showers and possible thunderstorms, with a 40% chance of rain returning to the Midlands.
Five-Day Outlook for Columbia SC:
- Saturday: High 86°F, strong storms likely after 2 p.m.
- Sunday: Rain likely before 2 p.m., high near 80°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 82°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 84°F.
- Thursday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, high near 86°F.
