COLUMBIA, S.C. — This week, we can expect steadily rising temperatures accompanied by a gradual return of low-level moisture. Despite this increase in moisture, rain chances will remain low through at least Thursday. However, by the weekend, there is a possibility of scattered showers and storms.
Today will be mainly sunny, with daytime temperatures hovering around the normal range for late August. Our average high temperature this time of the year is about 90 degrees.
Tonight, with gradually increasing moisture levels, there is potential for low clouds and/or patchy fog, especially in areas south and east of Columbia. Otherwise, conditions will remain clear and dry, with lows in the mid-60s to lower 70s.
The forecast for the middle of the week remains consistent with previous days. The upper heights will continue to rise as the area of high pressure to the west moves eastward. The surface trough will stay off the coast, keeping the area dry, with the best chances for rain closer to the coast in the afternoon. Temperatures will climb to above-normal levels, reaching the mid-90s. Nighttime lows will also moderate, settling around 70 degrees.
Expect hot and humid conditions to persist through the end of the week, with maximum heat indices exceeding 100 degrees. Thursday will see highs in the middle to upper 90s with limited chances of rain.
Although heat index readings will climb above 100 degrees, they will likely stay below advisory criteria due to the presence of dry air. By Friday and into the weekend, slightly lower heights will result in a gradual decrease in temperatures, though highs will still reach around 90 degrees.
An upper trough moving north of the region will begin to push a cold front toward the area from Friday into Saturday. With an increase in moisture over the weekend, rain coverage is expected to rise, making scattered showers and thunderstorms more likely.