COLUMBIA, S.C. — The clouds will stick around today. There will be a few stray showers around, with highs in the middle 70s. However, the weather will take a turn for the better starting Monday, with drier air and warmer temperatures sticking around through Wednesday.
A backdoor cold front is moving through the area, causing rain chances to drop in the northern Midlands this morning. This afternoon, an upper trough combined with high atmospheric moisture will likely lead to more showers and thunderstorms, especially in the southern Midlands.
As the day progresses, drier air will move south, reducing rain chances from north to south. Any showers and thunderstorms should clear out early this evening, giving way to decreasing clouds.
Highs will range from the lower to mid-70s in the northern and central Midlands to the upper 70s in the southern Midlands today. Tonight, will be cooler, with lows in the upper 50s to lower 60s.
An upper-level ridge will build in from the western Gulf States to New England, promoting dry conditions and warmer temperatures. High pressure along the Atlantic Seaboard will maintain dry air over the area through Tuesday. By Monday and Tuesday, temperatures will climb, reaching the low 80s on Monday and the mid-80s on Tuesday. Overnight lows will stay around the upper 50s to 60s.
Expect a mix of clear skies and light winds, providing optimal conditions for radiational cooling at night. Looking ahead to Thursday, a new frontal boundary will approach and stall north of the area, leading to potential showers and thunderstorms from Thursday into the weekend, but the chance of rain right now is small.