COLUMBIA, S.C. — A cold front is set to move into the area late tonight through early Wednesday, bringing an increased chance of showers. Following the front, gusty winds are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with wind gusts reaching 30-40 mph on Thursday. Behind the front, expect a shift to cold and dry conditions starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend.
A cold front, accompanied by showers and thunderstorms, is advancing through the Mississippi Valley. As the upper ridge axis shifts eastward, the area will experience a significant increase in moisture.
However, rainfall totals are uncertain due to potential Gulf Coast convection cutting off moisture transport. There may be two distinct periods of rain: one this afternoon and another late tonight, with northern areas seeing the highest chances. Despite the increasing cloud cover, temperatures will remain mild, ranging from the upper 60s in the west to the mid-70s in the east.
By early Wednesday, the first frontal passage will shift winds westerly while moisture lingers at the surface. A second, stronger front will arrive by Wednesday evening, bringing isolated showers and winds gusting to around 30 mph.
On Thursday, as the trough strengthens and colder air moves in, wind gusts could reach 40 mph, particularly during the afternoon. Highs on Thursday will be in the 50s to low 60s, with dew points dropping into the 20s. A wind advisory may be issued if confidence in 40 mph gusts increases.
Behind Thursday's front, cooler and drier air will persist through the weekend. Below-average temperatures and very low dew points are expected, creating conditions favorable for frost on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Winds will remain breezy on Friday, though not as strong as Thursday, with gusts around 30 mph. This pattern reflects widespread below-average temperatures and moisture levels across the Southeast. Prepare for a chilly and crisp weekend as the fall season firmly settles in.