COLUMBIA, S.C. — Deep moisture is moving into the Southeast. This will lead to numerous showers later today, lasting through Thursday. Locally heavy rain may create a risk of flooding in some areas, particularly in the Central Savannah River Area. The chance of rain will decrease on Friday.
The Midlands received some much-needed rainfall Tuesday. It was the first time the Columbia airport had gotten measurable rainfall since September 27.
Moisture will increase across the Southeast as Hurricane Rafael moves through the Gulf of Mexico. This will raise rain chances and make conditions ripe for flooding, especially as the rain is expected to be heavier tonight for the eastern parts of South Carolina.
Areas in CSRA could see over five inches of rainfall, especially in urban and low-lying areas, where flooding risks are higher. Because of this, a flood watch is in effect from 1 PM today through 7 PM Thursday for the western parts of South Carolina. A flood watch is in effect for Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield, and McCormick counties.
Rain is likely to persist into early Thursday, but it may begin to clear out by the afternoon as the heaviest moisture moves east. Flooding risks will still exist in the morning, so the flood watch will remain active until the afternoon. Temperatures will continue to stay warmer than average despite the clouds and rain.
The region may see only occasional, light showers by Friday. High temperatures on Friday will be in the upper 70s.
We are going to stick with a dry forecast for the weekend as some drier air spills into South Carolina. High temperatures will remain above normal.