COLUMBIA, S.C. — A cold front will move through the state today. This will bring us some light showers. While today’s front lacks punch, a stronger cold front is expected to arrive on Thanksgiving, bringing widespread showers, isolated thunderstorms, and a noticeable drop in temperatures.
This morning, temperatures started off in the middle to upper 50s, a result of southwest winds pulling moisture into the region. Clouds will dominate the skies as the cold front moves closer, bringing some showers to the Midlands. Any rainfall today is expected to be light.
By late afternoon, skies are expected to clear, with highs reaching around 70 degrees. Winds will pick up slightly behind the front, and overnight lows will dip into the 40s, with cooler temperatures northward.
Thanksgiving Day brings a stronger cold front that could significantly impact holiday plans. The timing of the front remains uncertain, with models showing a range from morning to late afternoon. If the front arrives earlier, rain and storms may be less intense. A later arrival, however, could bring enough daytime warmth to fuel thunderstorms, some of which may turn strong.
Showers are expected to become more widespread, and isolated thunderstorms could pop up depending on the timing. Highs will still be above normal, but this front marks the beginning of a chilly shift heading into the weekend.
Once the Thanksgiving front passes, temperatures will plunge as a cold air mass settles over the region. Overnight lows are forecast to drop below 25°F by Monday night, with some areas potentially seeing near-record lows in the upper teens. Daytime highs will also stay below average, bringing a stark contrast to this week’s milder conditions.
The extended cold snap will likely end any remaining growing seasons in the area. Residents should take precautions to protect sensitive plants and prepare for winter-like conditions through early next week.
Stay tuned for updates as Thanksgiving approaches and weather patterns become clearer.