Columbia, South Carolina — A thick blanket of dense fog settled over the Midlands early today, reducing visibility and creating potentially hazardous conditions for morning commuters. Moisture clings to trees, grass, and roadways, and the muted visibility is making major routes like I-26, I-20, and Highway 1 particularly slick during the early travel rush. With Thanksgiving travel beginning to build, officials warn drivers to slow down and take extra precautions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia has issued a Dense Fog Advisory lasting until 10 AM, noting that visibility in some areas has dropped to one-quarter mile or less. Calm, stable air across central South Carolina is trapping moisture near the surface, allowing the fog to linger longer than usual. As sunlight increases later in the morning, conditions are expected to gradually improve.
What the Dense Fog Means for Morning Travelers
The fog rolling through Columbia this morning is unusually thick for late November, creating what some describe as “milky, soft visibility.” The dampness on bridges, overpasses, and low-lying roads can create deceptive slick spots even without rainfall. Motorists heading out early for holiday errands, work commutes, or early Thanksgiving travel are urged to leave extra time and use low-beam headlights to avoid glare.
According to the NWS advisory, fog is expected to lift steadily after mid-morning, giving way to clearer skies and warm temperatures.
Timeline of Today’s Weather Conditions
Fog remains the dominant feature through the early hours of Friday. Once the advisory expires around 10 AM, the Midlands will transition into a surprisingly warm afternoon. Highs are forecast to climb into the upper 70s, giving the region an almost late-summer ambience despite the fast-approaching Thanksgiving holiday.
As the sun returns, travel conditions will improve, but the warm and moist setup lays the groundwork for weekend changes.
What Officials Are Saying
Meteorologists emphasize that fog this dense requires deliberate caution. One weather specialist noted:
“Visibility may drop quickly in patches across Columbia this morning. Drivers should reduce speed and be prepared for sudden shifts in visibility.”
Such patchy fog can create dangerous conditions even for experienced drivers, especially on the interstates that weave across the Midlands.
Weekend Weather Shift: Showers and Thunder Chances
Saturday marks a noticeable shift. A narrow band of showers and a few thunderstorms could sweep across the area in the early afternoon. This system is part of a broader national weather pattern signaling the beginning of the winter transition across the U.S.
While Columbia is too far south to see winter precipitation at this time, national models are highlighting up to 3 to 15 inches of snow in parts of the Northwest, Northern Plains, and the Great Lakes between Nov. 25 and Dec. 3. This developing wintry setup may eventually send cooler air across the Carolinas after Thanksgiving.
Sunday Brings Cooler, Calmer Weather
Sunday provides a break from the more active weather—cool, sunny, and crisp air settles into the region. With light breezes and temperatures dropping into the lower 70s by day and 40s at night, conditions will be perfect for early holiday shopping, decorating, or regional travel.
As Thanksgiving sits less than a week away, meteorologists caution that shifting national patterns could narrow travel windows quickly. South Carolinians planning long drives or flights next week should monitor forecast changes closely.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Columbia
Friday: 79/61 – Dense fog early; warm and partly sunny.
Saturday: 80/54 – Showers and slight thunder chance; breezy in the afternoon.
Sunday: 71/43 – Sunny, crisp, and cooler.
Monday: 70/50 – Mild sunshine.
Tuesday: 75/59 – Increasing clouds; PM rain possible with travel impacts.
Safety Tips for Foggy Conditions
Dense fog can create unpredictable hazards even for experienced drivers. Here are a few reminders for safe travel:
- Keep low-beam headlights on at all times.
- Reduce speed to maintain safe stopping distance.
- Avoid sudden lane changes or sudden braking.
- Use roadside reflectors as visual guides.
- Stay alert near bridges and overpasses, which may be slick.
Conclusion
With dense fog covering parts of Columbia this morning and holiday travel already underway, drivers should exercise caution, remain aware of sudden visibility changes, and plan for potential disruptions. As weather patterns shift heading into Thanksgiving week, staying informed will be key to safe travel across South Carolina and beyond.
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