COLUMBIA, S.C. — High pressure will continue to dominate the weather across the Southeast, bringing dry conditions and slightly cooler temperatures. This trend will continue through Friday, giving us a brief break from the summer heat. However, as we approach the weekend, a weak cold front will begin to make its way into the region, bringing with it an increase in moisture and the possibility of rain.
An upper ridge will build in from the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley, extending into our region. This ridge will bring dry and slightly cooler air to the Southeast. Yesterday, the Columbia airport had a high of 87 degrees.
Afternoon temperatures today are expected to be a degree or two warmer than yesterday, with highs reaching the middle to upper 80s and possibly touching 90 in some areas. Tonight, temperatures will cool down to the upper 60s.
Dry weather is expected to continue on Friday. Dry high pressure will continue to influence our weather through Friday night, keeping conditions dry and warm. The best chance for any rainfall will be well to the west, primarily in the mountains, where moisture levels will be slightly higher.
A cold front will begin to approach the region late Friday night, but it is not expected to bring any rain overnight. Highs on Friday will be around the upper 80s to near 90 degrees.
Rain chances increase as a weak front moves in. As we head into the weekend, the weak cold front will continue its slow march toward the Southeast. This will lead to an increase in moisture and the possibility of isolated or scattered showers and thunderstorms late in the day on Saturday. Some of the storms could be strong or severe, with the greatest threat being damaging wind gusts.
There will be a small chance of rain on Sunday. High temperatures will be in the upper 80s to near 90 degrees.