Spartanburg, South Carolina – A warm, foggy start settled over Spartanburg early Friday as low clouds hugged rural roads and pockets of mist drifted through neighborhoods. Visibility briefly tightened in shaded areas, giving the region a damp, slow-moving morning before conditions gradually improved through the day.
Early Morning Conditions Slow Travelers
The day opened with fog clinging to tree lines and low-lying areas, making the morning commute more challenging for residents and early holiday travelers. Drivers along I-26, US-29, and rural stretches of the Upstate faced minor delays as windshields stayed hazy and roads remained damp.
Meteorologists noted that the fog was widespread but temporary. By midday, drier air began filtering into the region, offering better visibility and slightly more stable conditions. The humidity, however, remained a lingering presence ahead of the next weather shift.
A Gentle Start Before a Weekend Pattern Change
While mild air continues to sit over the Upstate, forecasters are tracking a shift expected to unfold this weekend. A weak system brushing the Carolinas will introduce a light “winter tease,” though snow is not projected for Spartanburg.
Long-range models referenced in early-morning forecasting discussions suggest that colder air could push southward next week. Some signals even favor heavier snow (3–15 inches) across parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast during the days leading into Thanksgiving.
Saturday Morning Showers to Return
Scattered showers are expected to develop by Saturday morning, and forecasters say a few lightning rumbles aren’t out of the question. Rain amounts should remain light, but timing could still impact travel, outdoor errands, or early event setups.
A National Weather Service meteorologist emphasized the potential for brief slowdowns:
“Showers will be hit-or-miss, but because they arrive early, people heading out first thing may notice visibility drops and slick spots. We expect conditions to improve quickly by late morning.”
The short-lived rain will yield to improving skies by Saturday afternoon. Highs around 78° will keep the warmth in place a bit longer before temperatures fall into the low 50s by Saturday night.
Sunday Brings a Brighter, Crisp Finish to the Weekend
After Saturday’s passing disturbance, Sunday turns sunny, cooler, and refreshingly dry. Forecasters describe the air mass as “crisp but comfortable,” ideal for weekend tasks and pre-holiday planning.
Homeowners are expected to take advantage of the high near 68° on Sunday for outdoor decorating, leaf cleanup, and early Thanksgiving prep. Winds remain light, offering calm weather to wrap up the weekend.
Bigger Weather Picture for Thanksgiving Travelers
Even though Spartanburg stays mild for now, much of the country is lining up for colder conditions next week. Cooler-than-normal temperatures could stretch from Texas through the Gulf States and up the East Coast, a pattern that may nudge chilly air into South Carolina shortly after Thanksgiving.
Long-range forecasters caution that early-season storms forming across the Central and Eastern U.S. could bring travel delays to major hubs. While uncertainty remains, the possibility of significant snowfall in northern regions is being closely watched.
Local Forecast Snapshot
- Today: High 77°, fog early → mostly cloudy
- Tonight: Low 61°, 30% chance of rain
- Saturday: High 78°, morning showers → clearing
- Saturday Night: Low 50°, mostly clear
- Sunday: Sunny, high 68°
- Sunday Night: Low 42°, mostly clear
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 68°
Safety and Travel Awareness
With fog, damp roads, and changing air masses, residents are encouraged to use extra caution during early morning commutes. Drivers should reduce speed in misty areas, keep headlights on low beam, and avoid sudden braking. Weekend travelers heading out of Spartanburg — especially to colder northern states — should monitor conditions closely as Thanksgiving approaches.
Conclusion
Spartanburg begins the weekend under a mix of warmth, fog, and brief Saturday morning rain before sunshine and cooler air take over Sunday. With shifting national patterns pointing toward more cold next week, residents may feel a noticeable temperature drop soon.
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