Spartanburg, SC – A crisp, dry morning settled over the Upstate today as residents eased into the start of Thanksgiving travel week. Light northwest breezes carried the last traces of fall color across neighborhoods, creating ideal visibility for drivers but also elevating concerns about dry vegetation and fire spread. Despite the calm, pleasant feel, officials continue urging caution for anyone working or burning outdoors.
Dry Weather and Low Humidity Create Fire-Sensitive Conditions
Much of today’s pattern is shaped by extremely low humidity, according to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg, which noted that even gentle northwest winds near 8 mph can help a spark spread across dry brush.
Meteorologists say outdoor burning should be avoided for now, and residents handling heat sources, yard equipment, or matches should treat conditions as “elevated fire risk,” even as breezes ease through midday.
Sunshine Dominates as Temperatures Push Into the Mid-60s
Forecasters expect clear skies throughout the day with highs settling in the mid-60s. With no rain or fog to complicate travel, major corridors like I-26 and I-85 should see smooth movement for early holiday departures.
This aligns with guidance shared through the NWS morning update, which highlighted steady, calm conditions across Spartanburg, Greenville, and Gaffney.
Upstate Warms Further on Tuesday Ahead of Holiday Travel
Temperatures climb again Tuesday, reaching the upper-60s as a southwesterly flow develops.
These warmer, quieter conditions provide one of the week’s best opportunities for residents planning early Thanksgiving trips, household errands, or outdoor decorating before midweek crowds grow.
Midweek Outlook: Mild, Sunny, and Ideal for Preparations
Wednesday brings another jump in warmth, topping out in the upper-70s under mostly sunny skies. Winds stay light, and no early-season chill appears in the forecast.
With mild afternoons and comfortable evenings, the midweek stretch is well suited for travel prep, leaf cleanup, and holiday shopping.
Moisture Returns Late Week With Possible Travel Delays
Forecast models suggest increasing moisture Thursday night into Friday. While no freeze or cold snap concerns are expected, a developing system may bring Friday afternoon showers, potentially slowing long-distance travel through Charlotte, Asheville, and Columbia.
Rain chances ease by Saturday as highs dip slightly into the lower 70s before sunnier skies return Sunday.
Five-Day Forecast for Spartanburg
- Mon: 66/36 – Sunny; very low humidity; elevated fire danger
- Tue: 68/49 – Sunny and warmer
- Wed: 77/51 – Mostly sunny and mild
- Thu: 76/57 – Mostly sunny; clouds increase late
- Fri: 76/58 – Rain chances increase; slower travel possible
Conclusion
With sunshine dominating most of the week and temperatures trending warmer, the Upstate enters Thanksgiving travel season on a calm, comfortable note. Fire danger remains the only early-week concern, but travelers should watch for increasing moisture and possible Friday delays.
What do you think of this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
