South Carolina – Early haze lifts off roadways across Columbia as the sun climbs, but that calm, warm feel is already setting the stage for a more active stretch ahead. The air feels mild now, but heat and storms are lining up.
According to the National Weather Service, patchy fog early will give way to mostly sunny skies, with temperatures surging to around 85°F today. Light winds keep conditions steady through the afternoon.
Across Richland and Lexington counties, visibility improves quickly through late morning. Roads remain dry, and travel along I-20 and I-26 is smooth for now. It’s a good window to get outside or run errands before changes arrive.
By Friday afternoon, isolated showers and thunderstorms begin to develop. Coverage remains limited, but any storm could bring brief heavy rain and lightning. Expect quick slowdowns where rain develops, especially during peak travel hours.
Saturday brings another surge of warmth, with highs near 86°F under mostly sunny skies. A stray late-day shower is possible, but much of the day stays dry. Outdoor plans should hold up well.
Conditions shift more noticeably by Sunday. Showers become more widespread, with rain chances climbing to around 80%. Roads may turn slick, and visibility could drop during heavier bursts. Plan extra time if traveling, especially along busy corridors like I-77.
Looking ahead, early next week turns cooler and quieter, with highs dropping into the low 70s and sunshine returning. Signs of spring remain strong, with above-normal warmth expected to build again later next week.
Five Day Outlook for Columbia, SC
Friday: Isolated storms late, high 85°F
Saturday: Mostly sunny, slight shower chance, high 86°F
Sunday: Showers likely, high 80°F
Monday: Partly sunny, cooler, high 72°F
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 73°F
