Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina enters the Feb 5–9 period under a prolonged stretch of below-normal temperatures, paired with limited chances for rain or winter precipitation statewide. While snow and ice are not expected to be widespread, the persistent cold will remain the primary concern, especially during overnight and early morning hours across the Midlands and Lowcountry.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s 6–10 day outlooks, colder-than-average air will remain entrenched along much of the East Coast, stretching from New England down the I-95 corridor into the Carolinas and farther south into Florida. At the same time, precipitation chances remain low for much of the Southeast, with areas south of northern Illinois and west of the Pacific Northwest near Eugene, Oregon expected to see limited snow or rain during this window.
In Columbia, Charleston, and surrounding communities, daytime highs are expected to struggle to reach seasonal norms, with several nights dropping into the 30s inland and 40s closer to the coast. The extended chill follows weeks of repeated cold spells across the South, during which nearly 100 temperature-related deaths have been reported, underscoring the risks tied to prolonged exposure and unsafe heating practices.
Emergency managers continue to urge residents to check on elderly neighbors, ensure pets have adequate shelter, and use space heaters cautiously. The cold, dry pattern is expected to persist through the period, with additional advisories possible if temperatures trend lower.
