COLUMBIA, S.C. — The coolest air mass of the season is expected to move into South Carolina today, bringing a significant drop in temperatures. As the weekend approaches, an upper ridge will build, allowing for a gradual warming trend that will continue into early next week.
Today, much colder air will settle over the area, with temperatures expected to be 10 to 15 degrees below normal. High temperatures will be in the lower to middle 60s this afternoon.
Tonight, surface high pressure from the Mississippi/Ohio Valley will build eastward. Clear skies and a very dry air mass will lead to strong radiational cooling. While overnight lows are expected to dip into the 30s across the Midlands, widespread frost is unlikely due to some wind. However, patchy frost could develop in the northern and western Midlands.
A frost advisory is in effect for the Upstate of South Carolina. Frost can harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
Cool, dry high pressure will dominate the region on Thursday and Friday. Northerly winds will continue to push dry, cool air across the area, keeping temperatures below average. Highs on Thursday will only reach the mid-60s.
By Friday morning, there is a chance for frost, as surface temperatures are expected to dip into the upper 30s. Winds will be lighter than the previous night, increasing the potential for frost, and a frost advisory may be issued. As high pressure begins to shift northeast on Friday, temperatures will start to moderate, with highs climbing back to around 70 degrees.
Strong high pressure to the north will continue to influence the weather through the long term. The air mass will slowly warm over the weekend, and low-level moisture will begin to return. However, no rain is expected, and temperatures will gradually rise back to near or slightly above average levels by early next week. The overall weather pattern will remain quiet.