SOUTH CAROLINA — The air feels sharper this morning across the Midlands — a biting breeze sweeping over calm lakes and frosted rooftops. As the sun rises over Columbia, the state sits on the edge of a powerful early-season cold snap, bringing both strong winds and freezing temperatures before Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a Freeze Warning and Lake Wind Advisory for much of central South Carolina and east-central Georgia. Winds from the northwest will blow 10 to 20 mph with gusts near 35 mph, creating rough conditions on Lake Murray, Lake Marion, and Clarks Hill Lake. Small boats could face hazardous waves, and officials urge boaters to use extra caution or delay plans until calmer conditions return.
By this evening, the wind will drive in the coldest air of the season so far. Temperatures will plunge to the mid-20s by early Tuesday, marking the first widespread freeze of November for the region. Gardeners should cover tender plants, and homeowners are encouraged to wrap or drain outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.
Tuesday brings a crisp, sunny Veterans Day with highs near 49°F — a calm but chilly day for outdoor ceremonies and travel. By midweek, the chill eases, with temperatures climbing back into the mid-60s Wednesday and upper 60s by Thursday.
Still, this cold snap signals a seasonal shift — the kind that reminds South Carolinians to pull out their heavier coats and prepare for more November weather whiplash ahead of Thanksgiving travel later this month.
