COLUMBIA, S.C. — Our weather will remain predominantly sunny and dry, with temperatures steadily climbing as the week progresses. Low-level moisture is expected to return, contributing to the warmer conditions, and by mid-week, temperatures are likely to rise above average. Despite this increase in moisture, rain chances will remain low through at least Friday.
The weather pattern will continue to evolve as we move through today and into tonight. Skies will be mostly sunny, with clouds primarily to the south and east. A northeastern flow will persist at the surface, bringing occasional gusty winds this afternoon.
Temperatures will be slightly warmer than yesterday, with highs expected to reach the upper 80s to around 90 degrees. Tonight, clear skies and light winds will result in lows dipping into the 60s.
Looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday night, the weather will remain dry as a surface high-pressure system stays anchored over the Mid-Atlantic. This will maintain a northeasterly wind pattern at the surface, preserving the drier air mass over most of the region.
Although moisture may slightly increase in the eastern parts of the area, the bulk will stay closer to the coast. Meanwhile, the ridge to the west will begin to build eastward, leading to rising temperatures. Highs will climb to around 90 degrees on Monday and into the low to mid-90s by Tuesday.
Temperatures will rise steadily as we approach the latter part of the week. Although relatively dry air will persist, conditions will remain mostly dry through Friday, giving the area a typical summer-like feel.
The next potential chance for rain will not arrive until the weekend, when a weak cold front may approach from the northwest. However, the front might not fully reach the area, and while it could bring some cloud cover and a slight cooldown, widespread rainfall is not expected at this time.