South Carolina – Cool air lingers across backyards and quiet streets this morning, with breath visible before sunrise. Jackets feel necessary now, but change is already building just beyond the horizon.
Columbia wakes up to clear skies and temperatures in the lower 40s early today. Sunshine dominates through the day, helping highs climb into the low 50s by afternoon. Winds stay light, making conditions feel calmer than recent cold snaps across the region. Travel remains smooth on I-26 and I-20, with dry pavement and good visibility.
Tonight turns chilly again. Mostly clear skies allow temperatures to drop into the lower 20s. Sensitive plants and exposed pipes may need protection before bedtime. The cold holds briefly into Sunday morning, but it won’t last long.
Sunday brings another bright day, with highs rebounding near 49 degrees. The air feels crisp but comfortable by afternoon. By Sunday night, clouds increase slightly, signaling a major shift in the pattern.
That shift arrives Monday. Sunshine returns, and temperatures jump to the upper 50s. Winds turn lighter and variable, making it feel noticeably milder. By Tuesday, Columbia pushes into the lower 70s under mostly sunny skies. Jackets quickly give way to short sleeves during the afternoon.
Midweek stays warm and increasingly humid. Wednesday highs surge into the mid-70s, though clouds thicken. A chance of rain develops later Wednesday into Thursday as a warm front lifts north. While severe weather is not indicated now, brief showers could impact the afternoon commute.
This rapid February warm-up reflects a broader national trend. Much of the eastern U.S. shifts toward above-normal temperatures into next week, hinting at early spring energy.
Enjoy today’s sunshine, plan for tonight’s chill, and get ready for a dramatic warm-up. How big is the temperature swing where you live?
Five-Day Outlook for Columbia, SC
- Today: Sunny; high near 51°F
- Tonight: Mostly clear; low near 23°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny; high near 49°F
- Monday: Sunny and milder; high near 58°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, warm; high near 70°F
