COLUMBIA, SC – Dawn breaks clear but blustery across the Midlands, as ripples shimmer across Lake Murray and dry leaves swirl through downtown streets. The wind hums against porch screens and highway signs, a sure sign of the strong pressure shift that ushered in South Carolina’s Lake Wind Advisory early this morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph — with gusts nearing 35 mph — are expected to ease by 8 a.m. Boaters should stay cautious through sunrise, as choppy lake waters and strong gusts could still pose risks for smaller craft.
Once the winds relax, Columbia and surrounding counties will settle into a stretch of calm, sunny weather through midweek. Highs climb near 79°F Monday and into the low 80s by Tuesday afternoon, under clear skies and light breezes. Conditions will stay dry, offering ideal windows for yardwork, travel, and early fall events.
By Wednesday, high pressure builds overhead, locking in mild and stable air. Lows dip into the mid-40s later in the week — just cool enough for a hint of the first fall chill, especially in rural valleys and low-lying areas west of I-77.
Looking ahead to the weekend, temperatures stay near seasonal norms, with highs around 75°F and bright sunshine dominating. For now, it’s a week of calm, clear skies — perfect for outdoor plans before late-October’s cooler, windier side begins to edge back into the forecast.
