Columbia, South Carolina – Storms will return to central South Carolina by midday Friday, with wind gusts up to 23 mph and heavy downpours likely before calmer weather sets in for the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a round of showers and thunderstorms is expected between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, with a 60% chance of precipitation and brief periods of gusty winds. Motorists along I-20 and I-26 should plan for slowed traffic and limited visibility during the storm window. Rainfall may exceed a tenth of an inch in some locations, especially where thunderstorm cells intensify.
By Friday evening, skies begin to clear, ushering in a stretch of dry and seasonably warm weather. Saturday and Sunday will be sunny with highs in the low to mid-80s, creating ideal conditions for outdoor events across the Midlands. Overnight lows will dip into the low 60s, providing a mild start to the first weekend of June.
Looking ahead, summer-like heat builds early next week. Highs on Monday and Tuesday are expected to reach near 90°F, under mostly sunny skies. Winds will remain light, but residents should begin hydrating and checking cooling systems in preparation for hotter days ahead.
5-Day Outlook for Columbia:
- Friday: Showers, thunderstorms before 2 p.m.; high 84°F
- Saturday: Sunny, high 83°F
- Sunday: Sunny, high 86°F
- Monday: Sunny, near 90°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 90°F
