COLUMBIA, S.C. — A front will pass through our forecast area today, bringing drier and more seasonable weather by Tuesday and Wednesday. Another cold front will approach on Thursday night, likely bringing additional changes to South Carolina.
Low clouds will likely linger into this afternoon, as a layer of dry air above is slow to push through the remaining moisture at the lower levels. Temperatures are expected to reach only the low to mid-70s across the area.
By this evening, the cold front will move through, causing winds to shift northwest. This shift will bring in drier air and help clear clouds overnight, with temperatures dropping to the low to mid-50s.
High pressure will build over New England and gradually extend into the Southeast, creating a surface wedge flow pattern with northeasterly winds that will usher in cooler air. Tuesday will be relatively mild, with highs reaching the upper 60s to low 70s.
As cold air advection strengthens Tuesday night, temperatures will fall to the low to mid-40s, bringing a crisp, autumnal feel to the air. Breezy conditions will make a jacket necessary for any outdoor activities.
Wednesday will be noticeably cooler, with highs only reaching the upper 50s in northern areas and the lower 60s in the south. As we head into Wednesday night, clouds and moisture will begin increasing ahead of the next approaching cold front. Although lows will remain in the 40s, cloud cover will provide slight moderation. Light rain may begin early Thursday morning as moisture levels rise.
On Thursday, a surface front will approach but likely will not pass through the area until Thursday night. Scattered showers may develop in the morning and taper off overnight. Behind the front, dry conditions are expected to last through the weekend.
Cooler temperatures will hold on Thursday, but as the front clears the region, we should see a return of sunshine and seasonable temperatures. With northwest winds, a slight warming trend should set in, leading to more typical autumn weather for the weekend.