by COLUMBIA, S.C. — A soft winter sunrise spread across the Midlands on Saturday, casting a gold-tinged glow over rooftops and leaving a trace of frost clinging to windshields in early morning stillness.
The air held a crisp bite — a quiet reminder that December’s cooling trend is beginning to take firmer hold across central South Carolina. Though roads remained dry, the steadily cooling pavement signaled how quickly conditions may change as the weekend unfolds.
Gradual Warming Under High Pressure
Through much of Saturday, the region remains under the steady influence of high pressure, keeping skies bright and travel corridors clear. Motorists moving along I-26, I-20, and I-77 face ideal driving conditions as temperatures climb into the mid-60s. Despite the comfortable rise, forecasters note that this calm pattern is temporary, giving way to a shift that arrives subtly but noticeably by late evening.
Meteorologists are tracking a weak disturbance drifting eastward toward the Midlands, bringing with it a slight chance of rain late Saturday night. Moisture remains limited, but even modest humidity interacting with cooler overnight temperatures may produce spotty drizzle after dark. With a 30% chance of light precipitation, shaded roads and elevated surfaces could develop minor slick spots, particularly in outlying rural areas.
Light Sunday Showers Followed by a Cooling Trend
Sunday morning carries forward a 20% chance of light rain, mainly before midday. Any showers that develop are expected to remain brief and scattered, with no significant accumulation anticipated. Afternoon highs fall to around 56°F, marking the beginning of a more noticeable cool-down.
Behind the disturbance, a pocket of dry air sweeps in from the northwest, pulling temperatures downward and setting up one of the coldest nights Columbia has faced so far this season. Forecast lows by Monday night are expected to dip into the lower 20s, creating ideal conditions for widespread frost. Rural communities west of the city may experience even sharper overnight drops as radiational cooling accelerates after sunset.
While Sunday’s rainfall risk remains low, the transition from warmer afternoons to sharply colder nights highlights the arrival of a more winter-like pattern that is expected to persist into early next week.
Read Also: I-81 Binghamton Weather Alert as Weekend Snow Showers Threaten Travel
Clearer Skies and Cold Nights Ahead
Sunday night brings clearer skies as the disturbance exits the region, allowing holiday lights across Columbia’s neighborhoods to shine against a deepening winter sky. The drier air mass settling in should maintain crisp mornings and chilly evenings through early week, but with no significant precipitation threats on the immediate horizon.
By midweek, conditions begin a gradual recovery as highs return to the low 50s, restoring more typical early-December weather across the Midlands.
Five-Day Outlook for Columbia
- Saturday: Sunny, high 65°F; slight late-night rain chance.
- Sunday: Spotty showers possible early; high 56°F.
- Monday: Sunny and colder; high near 40°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 43°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high around 52°F.
Have you noticed the return of frost in your neighborhood this week? Share your local conditions — your updates help the community stay weather-aware.
