COLUMBIA, S.C. —
In Columbia, October was one of the driest months in recent memory, leaving lawns thirsty and streams running low. With sunny skies dominating almost every day, residents saw little to no rain throughout the month. This dry spell was largely due to high-pressure systems that parked over the Southeast, creating a weather pattern that blocked rain from moving into the area.
Now that November has arrived, a shift in weather patterns has opened the door for rain to return to the Midlands. A series of low-pressure systems have moved through, bringing steady showers and even some heavier downpours. These storms have pushed through thanks to a weakening of the high-pressure systems that dominated October. As a result, Columbia has gone from bone-dry to notably damp, with more rain expected as the month progresses.
While this change is refreshing for gardens and helps to replenish local water sources, some residents have had to adjust to the sudden increase in wet, cool days. The shift to wetter weather has relieved October’s dry strain on local farms and wildlife. November’s rain is restoring soil moisture, helping late crops and winter planting while refilling streams and ponds to support local ecosystems. This return to normal rainfall is balancing Columbia's environment for both nature and agriculture.
