Columbia, South Carolina – An unusually strong surge of Arctic air is pushing deep into South Carolina, setting up a prolonged stretch of cold that could linger well into February. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply this weekend, with overnight lows falling into the teens and 20s across much of the state, levels cold enough to threaten pipes, pets, and sensitive infrastructure.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the large-scale pattern from late January through mid-February favors much below normal temperatures across the Southeast. This same Arctic air mass is driving extreme cold across the Midwest and Northeast while extending freezing conditions far south into the Carolinas and parts of the Deep South.
For South Carolina, the most immediate concern is wintry precipitation this weekend. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are possible, particularly from the Upstate through the Midlands and into northern coastal plain areas. Even light ice could make travel hazardous along I-20, I-26, I-77, I-85, and secondary roads, especially overnight and early morning.
Looking ahead, signs point to only brief breaks in the cold, with no sustained warm-up likely before mid-February. Officials urge residents to protect exposed plumbing, bring pets indoors, limit travel during icy periods, and closely monitor updates as additional cold weather advisories and winter alerts may be issued while this Arctic pattern remains in control.
