Columbia, SC – The pleasant November warmth across the Midlands will soon give way to increasing rain chances and a sharp drop in temperatures, according to the National Weather Service in Columbia. After several days of clear skies and comfortable sunshine, a cold front moving through the Southeast early next week will bring the first widespread freeze of the season.
The Current Weather: A Calm and Sunny Thursday
Residents in Columbia are waking up to another beautiful fall morning with bright skies and mild temperatures. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a high near 73°F today, with light northeasterly winds creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities, travel, and late-season yard work.
Skies will stay mostly sunny through the afternoon, and air quality remains good across the Midlands. Tonight, temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-40s, setting the stage for one final stretch of warmth before major changes arrive.
Friday and Saturday: Clouds Build and Rain Chances Return
By Friday, weather patterns begin to shift as southerly winds return, bringing warmer and slightly more humid air into the region. Daytime highs could climb into the upper 70s, but cloud cover will increase through the day.
A few light rain showers may develop late Friday evening, especially west of the city. While rainfall totals should stay light, the return of moisture will mark the end of Columbia’s dry spell.
“Rain chances will increase slightly by Saturday afternoon, particularly for areas north and west of Columbia,” NWS meteorologists said. “Most locations, however, should remain partly sunny and mild.”
Saturday’s highs are forecast to reach around 78°F, making for a pleasant start to the weekend despite the isolated rain risk.
Sunday: Brief Warmth Before a Strong Cold Front Arrives
Sunday will offer another day of pleasant warmth and partial sunshine, with highs near 77°F and lighter breezes. However, this will be the final warm day before a dramatic pattern change early next week.
Drier air temporarily returns Sunday night, but forecasters warn that a cold front will sweep across the Southeast Monday into Tuesday, bringing much colder, breezier conditions behind it.
Early Next Week: First Freeze of the Season Expected
By Monday, temperatures will tumble as cold, dry air pours into the Carolinas. Highs are expected to reach only the mid-50s, while overnight lows could plunge into the upper 20s to low 30s across portions of the Midlands.
Meteorologists warn this could lead to the first widespread freeze of the season, potentially affecting plants, gardens, and outdoor plumbing.
“Residents should take precautions to protect sensitive vegetation and exposed pipes early next week,” the NWS said. “The transition from fall warmth to early winter chill will be quite noticeable.”
The chill is expected to linger into Tuesday (Veterans Day), with continued sunshine but highs remaining near 54°F and overnight lows around 28°F.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Columbia, SC
- Thursday: 73° / 46° – Sunny, calm breeze.
- Friday: 76° / 57° – Partly cloudy, light rain late.
- Saturday: 78° / 61° – Mostly sunny, slight rain chance.
- Sunday: 77° / 40° – Warm and pleasant.
- Monday: 54° / 29° – Sunny, turning sharply colder.
- Tuesday (Veterans Day): 54° / 28° – Clear skies, early freeze risk.
Conclusion
Columbia residents can look forward to one last warm, sunny stretch before the season’s first true cold snap arrives. With rain chances increasing by Saturday and temperatures plunging early next week, it’s a good time to finish outdoor projects, protect plants, and prepare for freezing mornings ahead.
What are your thoughts on the coming cold front? Share your local weather updates or photos in the comments below.
