South Carolina starts the morning under a hard December chill. Breath hangs in the air. Lawns crunch lightly under frost as temperatures dip into the mid-20s around Columbia before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service, the cold snap eases quickly today as sunshine takes over. Afternoon temperatures rebound into the low-to-mid 50s, helping thaw frozen ground and easing early travel concerns. Drivers heading out this morning should still watch bridges and shaded roads, where slick spots may linger briefly.
The Weather pattern shifts fast through midweek. Warmer air builds Wednesday, pushing highs close to 60 degrees under partly sunny skies. Jackets lighten. The air feels milder. By Thursday, December 18th, clouds thicken as a developing system approaches from the west.
Rain chances increase Thursday afternoon and evening, with precipitation probabilities rising to around 50–80 percent. Roads across Richland and Lexington counties could turn slick during peak travel hours. While no severe weather is expected, steady rain may slow traffic along I-26, I-20, and downtown corridors.
Temperatures stay mild during the rain, peaking near 64 degrees Thursday before cooler air follows behind the system. Any standing water dries quickly by Friday as sunshine returns and highs settle near 59 degrees.
Looking ahead to the weekend, conditions remain quiet but seasonable. Saturday brings sunshine with highs near 59. Sunday trends warmer again, climbing into the mid-60s. Overnight lows dip into the 30s, a reminder that winter still holds ground during December nights.
While snow is not in play for central South Carolina, the rapid warm-up after a freeze highlights classic winter transition risks, including early-morning slick spots and late-week wet roads.
Five-Day Outlook for Columbia, SC
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 60°
- Thursday: Rain likely, high near 64°
- Friday: Sunny, high near 59°
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 59°
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 66°
