South Carolina starts the day with gray skies hanging low over Columbia as a cool, steady breeze moves across parking lots and front yards. Damp air clings to the pavement, hinting at the active early-December weather heading toward the Midlands. Drivers and families returning from Thanksgiving travel should prepare for slowdowns as a more organized system pushes in by Tuesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures climb toward the upper 50s today, giving the region a mild setup before moisture deepens. Meteorologists now track a corridor of steadier rain likely to reach Columbia Tuesday, with confidence rising for a half-inch to one inch of rainfall. That level won’t flood most areas, but it may cause ponding on I-26, I-20, and U.S. 1 during heavier bursts. Plan extra time for Tuesday travel, especially from midday into evening.
Monday brings warmer air near the lower 60s but increasing clouds. That transition signals energy building along a developing southern wave. Models hint at brief pockets of heavier rain Tuesday, along with gustier winds that may reduce visibility at traffic lights and highway merges. After all, early December often delivers quick pattern flips, and while Columbia stays too warm for any winter mix, temperatures dipping into the lower 30s Tuesday night could create patchy slick spots if surfaces stay damp.
By midweek, colder and brighter air moves in behind the system. Residents decorating outdoors for early Christmas displays may find Wednesday’s sunshine and 50s far more comfortable.
Five-Day Outlook
Today: Mostly cloudy, highs near 59.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, highs near 53; slight rain chance.
Tuesday: Rain likely; 0.5–1″ possible. High 57.
Wednesday: Sunny, cooler, high 52.
Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 57.
