South Carolina wakes to a restless sky this morning as gray clouds slide east and cooler air sweeps into the Midlands. Pavement feels damp, the wind snaps at loose branches, and a sharp December bite hints at the colder surge arriving tonight. Residents should prepare now, as weather conditions will change quickly through late day.
A Lake Wind Advisory begins this afternoon, bringing north winds between 10 and 20 mph and gusts near 30 mph. These winds create dangerous chop on Lake Murray and neighboring waters. Small-craft operators should avoid open channels because strong cross-lakes gusts can flip lightweight boats. A Cold Weather Advisory follows this evening, when wind chills may fall to 7° in a developing December Cold Snap. Plan for rapid cooling by late afternoon, especially if traveling for early Christmas Travel plans.
Temperatures fall sharply after sunset. Clear skies will allow heat to drain away fast, and strong radiational cooling could create icy patches on bridges by early Monday. Meteorologists now tracking this cold surge note that while precipitation has ended, the warm-to-cold transition remains steep enough to cause flash-freeze slick spots in shaded or elevated areas.
Monday brings bright sun but little warmth. Highs hold near the lower 40s, and a stiff north breeze will keep conditions brisk. Tuesday turns milder, climbing to the mid-50s under clear blue skies. To be fair, that will feel like welcome relief after tonight’s biting chill.
Plan extra time for morning travel Monday. Check on elderly neighbors. Bring pets indoors.
Five-Day Outlook (Columbia, SC)
- Monday: Sunny, high 41°, low 24°.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 54°, low 35°.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 62°, low 40°.
- Thursday: Chance of rain, high 52°, low around 40°.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 58°.
