Charleston, S.C. – Dark clouds are already building over the Lowcountry, and another round of thunderstorms is expected to develop as the day progresses. Wet pavement, bursts of heavy rain and frequent lightning could quickly change travel conditions across the Charleston metro before many afternoon plans wrap up.
According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms become increasingly likely through the afternoon, with an 80% chance of rain developing by this evening. High temperatures will reach 88 degrees, while slow-moving storms could produce between one-quarter and one-half inch of rainfall, with locally higher totals where thunderstorms repeatedly move across the same neighborhoods.
Communities from Charleston and North Charleston to Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, James Island and Folly Beach should stay alert for rapidly changing conditions. Drivers along Interstate 26, U.S. Highway 17, I-526, Savannah Highway and the Ravenel Bridge may encounter ponding on roadways, reduced visibility and brief delays during heavier downpours.
The broader national weather pattern continues to support widespread severe thunderstorms across parts of the Plains, Midwest and portions of the Southeast. While the greatest tornado threat remains well inland, forecasters note that the same moisture-rich atmosphere supporting those systems also increases the risk for locally heavy rainfall across coastal South Carolina. An isolated stronger storm with gusty winds cannot be ruled out.
If you’re heading to the beach or spending time outdoors, have a way to receive weather alerts. Move indoors immediately when thunder is heard, and avoid driving through flooded streets. Charleston International Airport travelers should also monitor airlines for possible weather-related delays.
Conditions gradually improve by Wednesday as rain coverage decreases and sunshine becomes more common. By Thursday, highs climb into the lower 90s with a return to typical midsummer heat.
Five-Day Forecast for Charleston, South Carolina
- Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 88°F. Chance of rain 60%.
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 75°F. Chance of rain 80%.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High 86°F. Chance of rain 80%.
- Tuesday Night: Showers early, then decreasing clouds. Low 76°F. Chance of rain 40%.
- Wednesday: Slight chance of thunderstorms, then partly sunny. High 89°F. Chance of rain 50%.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 91°F.
Looking beyond this week, longer-range outlooks favor above-normal temperatures across the Southeast during the 6-to-10-day period, suggesting summer heat will build once this active storm pattern eases.
Are storms already developing in your neighborhood? Let us know what you’re seeing around the Charleston area.
