South Carolina – Cold, dry air hangs over the Upstate this morning as frost coats rooftops and fields sit brittle under clear skies. The calm feels deceptive. Conditions favor fire spread today, even as winter weather patterns sharpen heading into the MLK Day holiday.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, low relative humidity and breezy southwest winds redevelop this afternoon. Gusts reach near 20 mph, combining with dry fuels to increase fire danger across Spartanburg County and surrounding areas. Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning through the evening hours.
Temperatures recover slowly today, topping out near 47 degrees after an early start near 18. Sunshine dominates, but the air stays crisp. Tonight turns colder again, with lows near 33 as clouds increase ahead of the next system.
Saturday brings a brief change. A few light showers are possible early, then skies clear with highs reaching the low 50s. Any rainfall looks limited, but it may dampen roads just enough to matter later. Saturday night stays cold, with lows near freezing.
Sunday bears watching. A light rain chance develops early, then may briefly mix with snow late morning as colder air slides in. Accumulation appears minimal, but timing matters. Wet pavement could refreeze after sunset as temperatures fall into the low 20s.
MLK Day looks bright but chilly. Sunshine returns with highs near 49, followed by another cold night near 20. The freeze-thaw cycle raises concerns for slick spots on bridges and shaded roads, especially during early commutes.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning today, secure loose items, and plan ahead for fluctuating road conditions this weekend. Keep jackets handy and check on neighbors sensitive to cold.
Colder mornings linger into next week before gradual warming. How dry does the air feel where you are right now?
Five-Day Outlook for Spartanburg, SC
- Today: Sunny, dry, elevated fire danger, high near 47
- Saturday: Chance of early showers, then clearing, high near 52
- Sunday: Slight rain and snow chance, cooler, high near 42
- MLK Day Monday: Sunny and cool, high near 49
- Tuesday: Sunny, colder morning, high near 41
