COLUMBIA, S.C. — High pressure will shift east of the area, resulting in a gradual warming trend through Sunday. Today will be warmer under partly cloudy skies. With more clouds, there is a slight chance of rain on Saturday but a high chance of rain and possibly thunderstorms on Sunday as a strong cold front approaches the area. Another cool, dry air mass follows the frontal passage next week.
We are expecting partly cloudy conditions today, but no rain is forecast. Temperatures will be warmer than yesterday and above normal for this point in December. Highs will be in the middle 60s this afternoon. Look for partly cloudy skies overnight, with lows in the middle to upper 40s.
Forecast models have hinted at a very small chance of an isolated shower Saturday afternoon, but a lot of rain is not expected for the start of the weekend. There will be a much better chance of rain on Sunday. High temperatures on Saturday will climb into the lower 70s.
Rain is likely on Sunday, and some thunderstorms are possible too. The Storm Prediction Center has the majority of the Midlands under a marginal risk of severe weather on Sunday.
A marginal risk (Level 1 out of 5) of severe weather means isolated severe thunderstorms are possible but limited in duration, coverage, and/or intensity.
If a strong or severe thunderstorm develops, the greatest threat will be damaging wind gusts. The Weather Prediction Center also has most of the state at a marginal risk of excessive rainfall. This means isolated flash flooding is possible. Any flooding would be localized, primarily affecting places that can experience rapid runoff with heavy rainfall.
The front will move through the area late Sunday or early Monday. Cooler, dry air will filter back into the Midlands. Highs on Monday and Tuesday will be in the middle 50s.
