COLUMBIA, S.C. — The rest of this week will feature a variety of weather changes, from mild and dry conditions early on to rain, thunderstorms, and a significant drop in temperatures as the coldest air of the season sweeps into the region.
Today through tonight:
Today will bring mild and seasonable conditions, with highs in the mid to upper 60s under mostly cloudy skies. Overnight, moisture will begin to increase, and light showers could develop after midnight, particularly in the Piedmont. Gusty southwest winds may pick up toward dawn, with temperatures staying relatively mild in the low to mid 50s due to warm air moving in.
Thanksgiving Day:
Thanksgiving Day will be marked by the arrival of a strong cold front, leading to scattered to widespread showers and a few thunderstorms.
Morning: The day begins with breezy southwest winds, gusting up to 20-25 mph. The timing of the cold front remains uncertain, but our forecast model brings the rain in early in the day.
Afternoon to evening: The timing of the front will be critical. A later arrival would allow for more daytime heating, increasing storm instability. Our forecast model brings the front through earlier in the day, but this is something we will continue to watch.
There is a small risk for severe thunderstorms, with damaging winds as the primary concern. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal risk (category 1 of 5) for severe weather on Thanksgiving.
Friday and Beyond: An Arctic Blast Arrives
After the cold front clears the area, the coldest air of the season will settle in for the weekend and early next week, bringing a sharp contrast to the milder Thanksgiving weather.
Friday: Strong high pressure will build behind the front, ushering in much colder air. Highs will struggle to climb out of the 40s, and overnight lows will begin to dip below freezing.
Weekend into Early Next Week: The cold air will intensify, with temperatures continuing to drop. By Monday night into Tuesday morning, lows will plummet into the lower to mid-20s, marking the coldest air of the season. Some locations may approach or even break record low temperatures.
This Arctic air mass is expected to linger through early next week, keeping conditions frigid. Additionally, the growing season will likely end for all remaining counties in the region as freezing temperatures settle in.