COLUMBIA, S.C. — Strong high pressure from the northeast is forecasted to expand southward through the Carolinas and into Georgia by mid-week, establishing dry and seasonable temperatures by tomorrow.
As the week progresses, moisture from the west will make its way into the area late Wednesday into Thursday, just ahead of another cold front. With the surface ridge in place, a weak cold air damming setup is expected Thursday, which will bring scattered light rain, drizzle, and cool temperatures.
Despite mostly sunny skies today, temperatures are expected to only reach the upper 60s to low 70s, with a cool northeast breeze throughout the day that will strengthen as night approaches. The tightening pressure gradient will lead to strong lake winds overnight.
A lake wind advisory has been issued for Lakes Marion, Murray, Thurmond, and Wateree. This advisory runs from midnight to 7 a.m. on Wednesday, with winds forecasted at 10-20 mph and gusts even higher.
Moving into mid-week, Wednesday is expected to remain dry and cool as high pressure pushes southward. Highs will reach the upper 50s in the north and mid-60s in the south.
On Thursday, however, as a cold front and upper trough approach, cooler air will settle in across the western parts of the area, bringing scattered showers through most of the day. These showers should clear overnight.
By Friday, dry conditions are expected to return as surface high pressure returns. The dry air, along with the influence of high pressure, will likely lead to a gradual warming trend into the weekend, with temperatures reaching near or slightly above average.