Columbia, South Carolina – A surge of Arctic air is expected to move into South Carolina beginning Thursday, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season so far and raising concerns for freezing rain and icy road conditions in parts of the state through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, South Carolina is forecast to see near-normal precipitation through Monday, but temperatures are expected to fall well below average. That combination increases the risk for freezing rain, particularly during overnight and early morning hours when surface temperatures dip below freezing.
The Midlands, including Columbia, Sumter, Orangeburg, and Newberry, face the highest concern for brief freezing rain episodes if moisture moves through while cold air is in place. Even light freezing rain could create slick conditions on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads. The Upstate, including Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, may also see isolated freezing rain, especially late at night as temperatures drop quickly behind the cold front.
Along the Lowcountry and coastal areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, and Hilton Head, precipitation is more likely to fall as cold rain. However, colder inland air could still lead to patchy icing on elevated roadways during the coldest mornings, particularly away from the immediate coast.
The most significant impact from this pattern will be the cold itself. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the 20s and lower 30s across much of the state, with daytime highs struggling to recover. Widespread frost and hard freeze conditions are likely, posing risks to exposed pipes, pets, and sensitive vegetation.
Drivers should use caution on major routes including Interstate 26, Interstate 20, Interstate 77, and Interstate 95, especially during early morning travel. Residents are urged to monitor local alerts, limit travel during icy periods, and prepare for prolonged cold. This Arctic pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with additional advisories possible.
