Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina enters Christmas week under a calm, springlike weather pattern that removes nearly all seasonal hazards from holiday travel. Instead of the crisp chill many expect in late December, mild air and sunshine dominate the Midlands, keeping roads dry and visibility high.
A Quiet Start to Christmas Week
Residents across central South Carolina woke to light winds, clear skies, and mild morning temperatures. The absence of cold air immediately stood out, with conditions feeling more like early spring than winter.
By midday, sunshine quickly pushed temperatures upward, and afternoon highs climbed into the mid to upper 70s, well above normal December averages. Commuters across the Midlands encountered dry pavement and steady conditions during both morning and evening travel periods.
Christmas Day Travel Looks Ideal
Christmas Day continues the unusually pleasant trend. Forecasts show mostly sunny skies, light winds, and no rain anywhere in the region. Visibility remains excellent throughout the day, reducing stress for drivers heading out to visit family or attend holiday gatherings.
Major travel corridors, including I-26 and I-77, are expected to see smooth weather-related conditions. With no precipitation and stable air, delays tied to weather are unlikely, allowing traffic flow to depend mainly on holiday volume rather than road safety concerns.
Late Week: Mild, Stable, and Dry
From Thursday into Friday, the overall pattern shows little change. Clouds may increase at times, but rain stays absent across central South Carolina. Temperatures remain unusually warm, peaking near 77 to 78 degrees during afternoon hours.
Meteorologists say this warmth reflects a broader Southeast-wide pattern, where cold Arctic air remains locked far to the north. Mild Gulf air continues to dominate the Carolinas, preventing winter weather systems from developing.
No Winter Hazards for Central South Carolina
Despite winter conditions affecting other parts of the country, no winter hazards are expected locally. There is no risk of snow, ice, freezing rain, or frost through the end of the week.
Friday night lows dip only into the mid-50s, keeping freeze concerns completely off the table. Late-night drivers will continue to encounter dry roads, light winds, and stable conditions.
Saturday Brings Peak Warmth
Saturday stands out as the warmest day of the stretch. Sunshine returns in full, pushing afternoon highs close to 78 degrees once again. Outdoor plans, post-Christmas shopping, and longer road trips all benefit from near-perfect weather.
While the warmth may feel out of place for December, the lack of hazards simplifies travel planning and reduces weather-related risks.
Travel Advisory Focuses on Traffic, Not Weather
With weather posing no threats, drivers are encouraged to remain alert primarily for heavier holiday traffic rather than slick roads or reduced visibility. No flash freezing, fog, or storm impacts are expected anywhere in the Midlands this week.
Five-Day Outlook for Columbia, South Carolina
| Day | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Today | Sunny, high near 76° |
| Christmas Day | Mostly sunny, high near 77° |
| Thursday | Partly cloudy, high near 77° |
| Friday | Partly sunny, high near 67° |
| Saturday | Sunny and warm, high near 78° |
Looking Ahead
As the holiday week continues, South Carolina remains sheltered from the winter disruptions impacting other regions. For travelers and residents alike, this stretch offers a rare December window of calm, warmth, and predictable conditions.
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