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Midlands, SC Weather: November Dry Spell Raises 2026 Questions
Columbia, SC – With November 2026 approaching, Columbia's weather history reveals an extraordinary milestone from last year. November 2025 ranked as the second driest November in 139 years of records,
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-24T09:55:17.933Z
Columbia, SC – With November 2026 approaching, Columbia's weather history reveals an extraordinary milestone from last year. November 2025 ranked as the second driest November in 139 years of records, leaving South Carolina's capital with almost no measurable rainfall throughout the month.
According to National Weather Service climate statistics, Columbia Metro Airport recorded just 0.16 inches of precipitation during November 2025, compared with the historical monthly normal of approximately 2.79 inches.
That represents a rainfall deficit of about 94%, placing the month among the driest Novembers ever recorded at the station.
A Nearly Rainless November Across Columbia Only three days produced measurable precipitation during November 2025.
The wettest day brought just 0.08 inches of rain, while a prolonged dry stretch extended across much of the month.
The exceptionally low rainfall total placed November 2025 second among the driest Novembers in Columbia's 139 year historical record.
The figures highlight how dramatically late fall precipitation can fluctuate across Columbia, Richland County, Lexington County and the surrounding Midlands.
Unusually Warm Temperatures Added to the Story Rainfall was not the only noteworthy feature.
Columbia recorded an average November temperature of 55.6 degrees, with an average high of 69.4 degrees.
The month's highest temperature reached 81 degrees, while the lowest dropped to 26 degrees.
The climate summary also identified a tied daily record for a warm overnight low, adding another notable weather milestone.
Despite the relatively warm conditions, temperatures reached freezing or below on three days.
No measurable snowfall was recorded.
What November 2025 Means for 2026 For residents across the Midlands, last November demonstrates that significant precipitation deficits can develop even without prolonged extreme heat.
The unusually dry conditions provide a historical benchmark as November 2026 approaches.
However, one exceptionally dry November does not mean the same pattern will repeat this year.
The important question for Columbia and surrounding communities is whether November 2026 will bring a return to more typical rainfall or another unusually dry stretch as the region moves toward winter.