Columbia, SC – South Carolina is heading into a classic fall weather pattern this weekend, featuring sunshine, mild temperatures, and a brief chance of storms before a cool front sweeps through Sunday night, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures by Monday.
Warm and Sunny Start to the Weekend
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, Friday begins with calm and clear conditions across the Midlands. Skies will remain mostly sunny throughout the day, with highs climbing into the upper 70s, making it one of the warmest days of November so far.
Saturday continues the trend, with highs near 80°F, which is roughly 10 degrees above normal for early November. Light south winds will bring in moisture by afternoon, possibly fueling isolated thunderstorms late Saturday night. Most areas will, however, stay dry and enjoy a bright, warm day — perfect for outdoor plans, leaf cleanup, or early holiday decorating.
Storm Chances Increasing by Sunday Afternoon
Forecasters say rain and storm chances rise to around 30% on Sunday, especially for regions north of Interstate 20. A weak cold front is expected to cross the state late in the day, bringing scattered showers and a few thunderstorms to areas near Sumter, Orangeburg, and the Pee Dee region.
“Most of the day will remain partly sunny and comfortable,” said a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Columbia, “but an isolated storm could move through in the afternoon before clearing quickly by evening.”
Behind the front, winds will shift northward, and temperatures will begin their sharp decline Sunday night, signaling the start of a much cooler pattern for the week ahead.
Noticeable Cooldown Early Next Week
By Monday morning, cooler and drier air will settle over the Palmetto State. Highs will fall into the low 50s, with overnight lows dipping into the low 30s — a roughly 25-degree swing from Saturday’s warmth.
The forecast remains sunny but brisk through Tuesday and Wednesday, with morning frost possible across rural parts of the Midlands and Upstate. Veterans Day will be particularly crisp, with highs staying near 49–52°F and lows near freezing, signaling the region’s first strong taste of late-fall chill.
“This upcoming cold snap is typical for mid-November,” officials said, “and gardeners or homeowners should protect sensitive plants and outdoor equipment as temperatures near freezing early next week.”
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Columbia, SC
| Day | High / Low (°F) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 76 / 57 | Sunny and warm; calm winds. |
| Saturday | 80 / 60 | Mostly sunny; isolated late-night storm chance. |
| Sunday | 79 / 44 | Partly sunny; scattered p.m. showers possible. |
| Monday | 52 / 31 | Cooler, breezy, and bright skies. |
| Tuesday | 49 / 32 | Sunny, crisp, and seasonably cool. |
Background: A True Fall Transition for South Carolina
The late-week warmup followed by a sharp cooldown is a hallmark of South Carolina’s transitional fall weather. Meteorologists say these temperature swings are driven by shifting jet stream patterns that bring alternating southerly warmth and northern cold fronts across the Southeast.
While the upcoming cold spell won’t bring freezing rain or snow, it serves as a reminder that winter-like mornings are just around the corner. Outdoor enthusiasts and travelers are advised to prepare for changing conditions, especially early in the week.
Conclusion
Residents across South Carolina can expect beautiful weather through Saturday, with sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures before storms and a sharp cool-down arrive Sunday night. Next week’s chill will be a brief but noticeable reminder that fall is quickly giving way to winter across the Southeast.
What are your thoughts on this fall weather shift? Share your plans or local conditions in the comments below.
