COLUMBIA, S.C. — Mainly sunny, windy weather will continue today. Drier, warmer weather is forecast for the weekend. Next week will be very warm, likely the warmest temperatures we have experienced at this point in 2024. No measurable rainfall is expected over the next seven days.
We had some heavy rainfall and thunderstorms early Thursday morning. The Columbia airport received 0.48” of rain. After the clouds and rain moved out, temperatures warmed up to 82 degrees Thursday afternoon. Today will be mainly sunny, windy, and cooler than yesterday.
A disturbance will move into the state later this afternoon. A few stray showers will be possible in the northern half of the Midlands, but significant rain is not expected.
It will continue to be windy today. Winds will be out of the south at 20–35 mph. A lake wind advisory is in effect for our area lakes through 8 p.m. Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small watercraft. Boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds and rough waves can overturn small craft.
Tonight, the skies will be clear. Temperatures will be a little cooler. Lows will be in the upper 40s to near 50 degrees. It will remain a bit breezy on Saturday. Winds will be out of the west at 10–20 mph. Temperatures will warm nicely Saturday afternoon, into the middle 60s.
High pressure will be located near Bermuda. A southwesterly flow will help warm us up into the middle 80s on Sunday. We are expecting temperatures to climb into the middle to upper 80s Monday through Thursday. Rain is not in the forecast.