COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dry and warm weather is forecast for today and Thursday as high pressure settles in, and upper-level ridges strengthen. However, rain chances will rise late Friday due to increasing moisture from a strengthening southwesterly low-level flow. Expect showers and possibly storms over the weekend as weak disturbances move through the region and moisture levels continue to rise.
We did have some showers and storms on Tuesday. A few areas received some decent amounts of rain, but other areas did not get any at all. High temperatures on Tuesday were in the lower 80s. Today will be a little warmer compared to yesterday.
Any showers this afternoon will be mostly focused on the coastal plain, where the surface trough is located. As the upper ridge and surface move in from the west, expect a clearer day. Warmer temperatures are forecast for today, with consistent low- to mid-80s in the forecast. Tonight will be mostly clear, with lows of about 60 degrees and perhaps some intermittent fog in the morning.
High temperatures Thursday and Friday will be in the upper 80s to near 90 degrees. The humidity levels will increase too. Heat index values will likely make it feel hotter than the actual air temperature.
The chance for rain increases over the weekend. Showers and storms are in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday, but the chance of severe weather is small. High temperatures will be a little lower with the clouds and rain in place.
More showers and storms are possible Monday. The threat of severe weather will be higher by Monday as the weather environment becomes a little more unstable.