Columbia, South Carolina – Winter is unlikely to dominate South Carolina’s weather pattern for much longer, even as Groundhog Day tradition hints at six more weeks of winter nationwide. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning, a symbolic marker that pushes the broader seasonal transition closer to mid-March.
According to the National Weather Service, South Carolina is part of a larger Southeast region favored for above-normal temperatures from February through April. That trend supports more frequent mild afternoons and early spring warmth across the state, though it does not eliminate the risk of brief cold fronts. Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach may still see chilly mornings and short-lived cool spells, particularly behind passing systems.
Rainfall will likely be the more impactful factor. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, much of the Southeast, including South Carolina, is expected to see near to above-normal precipitation during that period. That raises the risk for repeated rain events, locally heavy downpours, and ponding on roadways, especially along I-26, I-20, and coastal routes during stronger systems.
While the Farmers’ Almanac notes spring officially begins Friday, March 20, and highlights a total lunar eclipse early Tuesday, March 3, seasonal transitions can still bring unsettled weather. South Carolinians are encouraged to stay weather-aware, especially during periods of heavy rain or passing fronts, as conditions continue to evolve into early spring.
