South Carolina – Warm, still air settles over Columbia this morning as sunrise glints across rooftops and a soft haze clings to the treetops along the Congaree.
Pavement stays dry and mild, giving early travelers on I-26, I-20, and I-77 ideal conditions as Thanksgiving travel begins to build one week before the holiday. With calm winds and temperatures rising quickly, residents can expect an almost springlike feel through the day.
According to the National Weather Service Columbia office, sunshine dominates, and highs climb toward the upper 70s and near 80—well above typical mid-November Weather. This warm streak continues through Thursday as winds shift lightly from the southwest. The pattern favors outdoor work, early decorating, or flexible travel, but the tranquility won’t last into Friday.
According to SCDOT, travel volumes rise steadily across the Midlands as thousands begin early departures for Thanksgiving gatherings. Dry roads help today, yet the next potential slowdown hits Friday afternoon when cloud cover thickens and showers begin creeping in from the west. Models hint at a scattered rain band forming during the late-day commute, which may slow travelers heading toward Charleston, Greenville, or Charlotte. No Winter Weather threat exists in South Carolina at this stage—temperatures stay far above any frost or freeze risk—but the timing of those Friday showers matters.
To be fair, this stretch offers no snow chance or cold snap, yet the region sits in a transitional pattern that typically flips more drastically after Thanksgiving. A more notable cool-down could arrive next week, briefly teasing a shift toward early-season chill before the holiday rush hits full speed.
The weekend turns slightly cooler but stays dry, creating an excellent window for pre-holiday errands and short-distance travel.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbia, SC
Sat: 80/58 – Mostly sunny; warm.
Sun: 75/51 – Mostly sunny; cooler breeze.
Mon: 74/52 – Mostly cloudy; mild.
Tue: 72/50 – Mostly cloudy; calm.
Wed: 70/48 – Dry; strong Thanksgiving travel day.
