COLUMBIA, S.C. — As summer turned into fall, Columbia, SC, and surrounding areas have been experiencing an unusually persistent dry spell. Rain has been sparse, and the conditions have been remarkably dry, impacting agriculture, water resources, and everyday life.
The Southeast typically sees a mix of wet and dry periods, but the extended drought we’re experiencing in Columbia is due to a combination of unusual weather patterns.
A persistent high-pressure system has settled over the area, maintaining clear skies and warm temperatures while blocking rain from reaching us. With this system lingering week after week, this area hasn't seen rain since September 27.
Adding to this is the influence of La Niña, which favors conditions that keep rain systems away from the Southeast. La Niña has brought in more high-pressure activity, which pushes rainstorms away and keeps the skies clear and dry. In a normal season, tropical storms or hurricanes might provide relief with heavy rains in late summer or early fall, but this year, La Niña has contributed to a lack of tropical activity in the region, leaving South Carolina with even fewer chances for the rain we need.
These combined factors have created a prolonged dry period with few signs of relief soon. The 8–14-day precipitation outlook suggests a slight chance of above-normal rainfall, though it's unlikely to be enough to ease current drought conditions. Fall usually brings more regular rain as the seasons transition, but with La Niña expected to persist, this winter may be milder and drier than normal. For Columbia, it means the community may need to brace for an extended dry season, with careful attention to potential impacts on agriculture, water use, wildfire risk, and daily life.
