Columbia, South Carolina – Bright sunshine is already baking sidewalks across the Midlands, and the heat is about to turn up another notch. Anyone heading outside this Sunday afternoon will notice a classic early-summer feel, with temperatures climbing quickly toward the lower 90s and little relief expected through much of the coming week.
According to the National Weather Service, Columbia is headed for a high near 93 degrees Sunday under sunny skies. Light winds and strong June sunshine will make conditions feel even warmer during peak afternoon hours. Hydration and frequent breaks will be important for outdoor workers, athletes, and anyone attending weekend events.
The quiet weather does not last forever. Meteorologists are now tracking a gradual increase in moisture beginning Monday afternoon. While much of Monday starts sunny, scattered showers and thunderstorms could develop after 2 p.m. across Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, and surrounding counties.
Monday’s high again reaches around 93 degrees, with southwest winds gusting up to 23 mph at times. Drivers along I-20, I-26, and I-77 may encounter brief downpours, wet pavement, and reduced visibility during the afternoon commute if storms develop nearby.
The broader pattern favors daily summertime thunderstorm chances through midweek. Most locations will remain dry for long stretches, but any storm that forms could produce frequent lightning, heavy rainfall, and localized travel delays. Severe weather is not currently expected to be widespread, though isolated stronger storms cannot be ruled out during the hottest part of the day.
Tuesday looks even hotter with highs approaching 94 degrees. Storm chances continue each afternoon through Wednesday and Thursday. Keep outdoor plans flexible and monitor radar before heading out.
Long-range outlooks suggest above-normal temperatures may persist across the Southeast heading toward late June, keeping summer firmly in control across South Carolina.
Five Day Forecast for Columbia, South Carolina
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 93°F.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low near 74°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 93°F. 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
- Monday Night: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, low near 75°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 94°F. 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 91°F. 40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
