COLUMBIA, S.C. — Parts of the northern South Carolina Midlands are under a frost advisory for Friday morning, as temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-30s overnight.
That will set up some areas for a first frost much earlier than normal. Typically, the first frost in the region is seen between Nov. 11 and Nov. 20. Due to these potential conditions, News19 is issuing a Weather Impact Alert Day for the morning hours.
WHEN
5 a.m. to 8 a.m. Friday. That's also when the National Weather Service's advisory is in effect. The frost advisory is for Fairfield, Newberry, and Saluda. It's also for Chesterfield and Lancaster counties, just outside the Midlands.
IMPACT
A high pressure system moving from the Mississippi Valley into the Ohio Valley has brought the coldest air mass of the 2024 fall season so far.
Temperatures will continue to drop as we approach the advisory's timeframe. The advisory area's lows are expected to be in the mid-30s. Other areas not included in that advisory could see temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s. Widespread frost is not expected, however.
NEED
There's no critical threat to people, although people should plan on wearing extra clothing, particularly if they happen to be out in the early morning hours. However, the National Weather Service advises that frost could harm outdoor vegetation and that sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. Those with fall gardens may want to take extra precautions.
WHAT'S NEXT
Highs will reach the low 70s by Friday and Saturday. Even though some southerly airflow may develop briefly on Saturday, there is no significant moisture in the region to bring rain or much cloud cover.
The dry air will persist as the upper-level high-pressure system strengthens Sunday through Wednesday. With hardly any cloud cover, temperatures will continue to rise a few degrees each day, and by midweek, they will exceed seasonal averages. Rain remains unlikely over the next seven days.
