South Carolina — Cold air grips the Midlands early this Monday, with breath visible and frost clinging to shaded lawns. Temperatures sit in the upper 30s around Columbia, making this the coldest start of the week. Jackets are needed now, but they won’t be for long.
Sunshine dominates today, helping highs rebound into the upper 50s by afternoon. Roads remain dry and calm, offering smooth travel through midday. For now, winter feels present but restrained.
Tonight stays quiet, though temperatures dip back into the upper 30s. Sensitive plants may need protection, especially in low-lying areas. By Tuesday, clouds linger early before skies brighten. Highs climb into the mid-60s, signaling a clear warm trend.
Wednesday brings the real shift. Sunshine returns in full force, and afternoon highs surge into the low 70s. That’s well above seasonal norms and a clear break from winter’s opening act. Holiday errands and regional travel improve, with no precipitation concerns locally.
Christmas Eve continues the mild pattern. Expect sunshine and highs in the low-to-mid 70s across Columbia. While winter storms impact parts of the Northeast and Great Lakes, South Carolina enjoys one of the calmest travel windows in the region.
There are no snow or ice threats here, but colder states feeding traffic southward may see delays. Travelers should still monitor routes north of the Carolinas.
Action steps: dress in layers today, protect plants tonight, and plan outdoor activities confidently by midweek.
5-Day Outlook for Columbia, SC
- Monday: Sunny, high near 57
- Tuesday: Clearing skies, high near 64
- Wednesday: Sunny and warm, high near 73
- Christmas Day: Sunny, high near 74
- Thursday: Partly cloudy, high near 75
