South Carolina starts the day under calm skies and mild air. Morning temperatures hover in the mid-50s across Columbia, feeling more like early fall than late December. The warmth does not last.
Sunshine dominates early, pushing highs well into the mid-70s. A touch of patchy fog fades quickly after sunrise. Roads stay dry, and travel conditions remain smooth through the afternoon. For now, winter feels far away.
Sunday brings subtle change. Clouds increase, and highs ease back into the upper 60s. The air turns more humid, hinting at an approaching system. Outdoor plans remain safe, but travelers should stay weather-aware heading into the evening.
By Sunday night, winds shift and temperatures begin dropping faster. Lows settle near 59, then continue falling toward daybreak. Meteorologists note this warm-to-cold transition often sets the stage for early winter travel issues later in the week.
Monday stays mostly dry, with highs near 71. A slight chance of rain develops during the afternoon, briefly dampening roadways. Any showers remain light, but timing could affect return trips from weekend travel.
The bigger story arrives Monday night. Skies clear, winds relax, and temperatures plunge into the low 30s. This sharp cooldown increases the risk of frost by Tuesday morning, especially in outlying areas and sheltered neighborhoods.
Tuesday feels firmly wintry. Sunshine returns, but highs struggle to reach the low 50s. Overnight lows dip into the mid-20s, raising concerns for freezing conditions heading toward New Year’s Eve on Wednesday. Drivers should watch for early-morning slick spots on bridges where moisture lingers.
This first full weekend of winter highlights December’s extremes. Springlike warmth gives way quickly to cold nights and frost potential. Traveling later Sunday or early next week? Plan layers, allow extra time, and share conditions from your area.
Five-Day Outlook: Columbia, SC
- Today: Patchy fog early, sunny; high near 76
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, mild; high near 68
- Monday: Partly sunny, slight rain chance; high near 71
- Tuesday: Sunny, cooler; high near 51
- Wednesday (New Year’s Eve): Sunny, chilly; high near 52
