South Carolina wakes to frosty air and quiet skies across the Midlands. Breath hangs in the air, cars glitter with frost, and thermometers hover below freezing early. This calm start hides a fast-changing weather pattern that will affect travel and daily routines by Thursday and Friday.
Temperatures rebound quickly today. Sunshine and light winds push afternoon highs toward the low 60s. It will feel more like late fall than winter by lunchtime. For now, travel remains smooth on I-26 and I-20, but colder shaded spots linger early.
Clouds increase tonight as moisture builds. Lows settle into the low 40s, keeping frost concerns limited after sunrise. Conditions stay dry, but changes arrive quickly after dawn Thursday.
Rain spreads into the Columbia area Thursday morning and becomes steadier through the afternoon. Roads turn slick during peak travel times. Plan extra time if commuting or running errands by midday. While rainfall totals remain modest, wet pavement will slow traffic.
Thursday night brings the wettest stretch. Periods of rain continue with breezy conditions at times. Temperatures stay mild, near 50 degrees, limiting any winter precipitation risk. Still, visibility may drop during heavier showers.
By Friday, skies clear fast. Sunshine returns, winds increase slightly, and highs reach near 60 degrees. Friday night turns cooler again, with lows dropping into the low 30s. Watch for patchy frost early Saturday morning.
The weekend looks favorable. Saturday and Sunday stay sunny and warm, with highs climbing into the mid-60s by Sunday. This calm stretch sets the stage for Christmas Travel across South Carolina.
Five-Day Columbia Outlook
- Today: Sunny, chilly morning, high 61°
- Thursday: Rain develops, high 62°
- Friday: Sunny and breezy, high 60°
- Saturday: Sunny, cooler morning, high 60°
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 66°
