Weather
Columbia, SC Weather Alert: 24° High Drop by Saturday, Oct 17
Columbia, SC – A dramatic shift from summerlike warmth to noticeably cooler autumn weather is approaching central South Carolina this weekend, with temperatures expected to fall sharply after Thursday
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-15T07:38:24.552Z
Columbia, SC – A dramatic shift from summerlike warmth to noticeably cooler autumn weather is approaching central South Carolina this weekend, with temperatures expected to fall sharply after Thursday's 90 degree high. By Saturday, afternoon temperatures in Columbia could struggle to reach the upper 60s, while nighttime readings tumble into the 40s. The change could be especially noticeable for residents attending outdoor events, traveling across the Midlands or making weekend plans after several days of unusually warm October conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, Thursday will bring sunny skies and a high near 90 degrees, followed by another warm afternoon Friday with temperatures reaching approximately 87 degrees. However, the forecast changes significantly heading into Saturday, October 17, when the expected high drops to just 66 degrees. That represents a 24 degree decrease in daytime highs between Thursday and Saturday, signaling a substantial transition toward cooler conditions across the Columbia area.
Weekend Temperature Drop Takes Center Stage Saturday's cooler conditions will arrive alongside a 30% chance of showers, introducing the possibility of wet weather during the weekend's first day. The National Weather Service expects partly sunny skies, with any precipitation generally remaining light. Forecast rainfall amounts are less than one tenth of an inch, suggesting widespread heavy rain is not currently anticipated for Columbia. Residents planning outdoor activities should nevertheless account for the possibility of passing showers.
The more significant change could arrive Saturday night, when temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 46 degrees under mostly clear skies. Compared with Thursday's projected afternoon high of 90 degrees, that represents a 44 degree difference across the multiday period. Although temperatures will not fall that amount within a single afternoon, the contrast illustrates how dramatically conditions could change before the weekend ends.
Travel and Outdoor Plans Across the Midlands For motorists traveling Interstate 20, Interstate 26 or Interstate 77 around Columbia, Saturday's shower chance could mean occasional wet pavement. The current forecast does not establish widespread hazardous travel conditions, but drivers encountering rainfall should allow appropriate stopping distance. Cooler temperatures may also make early morning and evening outdoor activities feel substantially different from the warm weather expected Thursday and Friday.
Sunday, October 18, is expected to bring improving conditions as sunshine returns and afternoon temperatures reach approximately 62 degrees. Despite the clear skies, Sunday could become the coolest daytime period of the forecast weekend. Residents attending sporting events, visiting parks or spending extended periods outdoors may want an additional layer, particularly during the morning and evening hours.
Warmer Conditions Return Next Week The cooler pattern should begin moderating Monday, October 19, when mostly sunny skies accompany a high near 70 degrees. Monday night temperatures are forecast around 51 degrees, followed by another sunny afternoon Tuesday with highs near 73 degrees. By Wednesday, temperatures could reach approximately 74 degrees, indicating a gradual warming trend after the weekend's pronounced cooldown.
For now, the primary forecast concern is the significant temperature transition rather than a major storm threat. The supplied National Weather Service forecast shows only a limited Saturday shower chance and does not identify a severe weather threat for Columbia during this period. Residents should monitor updated forecasts as the weekend approaches, especially if their plans depend on dry conditions.
Will the cooler weekend temperatures change your outdoor plans across the Midlands?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Sunny and unusually warm, with a high near 90 degrees and light west winds. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures falling to approximately 64 degrees and light south winds.
Friday 10/16: Another sunny and warm afternoon is expected, with a high near 87 degrees. Southwest winds could reach 5 to 10 mph before temperatures fall to around 59 degrees Friday night.
Saturday 10/17: Partly sunny and noticeably cooler, with a high near 66 degrees and a 30% chance of showers. Rainfall amounts should remain below one tenth of an inch, with nighttime lows near 46 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunshine returns, but cooler conditions continue, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 62 degrees. Mostly clear skies are expected Sunday night as temperatures fall to around 48 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny skies and a gradual warming trend return, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 70 degrees. Monday night will be mostly clear, with a low near 51 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Tuesday, October 20, is expected to be sunny, with a high near 73 degrees and a nighttime low around 52 degrees. Wednesday, October 21, should remain sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 74 degrees. The supplied forecast does not provide sufficient information to establish conditions beyond Wednesday.