Columbia, S.C. Braces for Icy Weather This Weekend

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina, is preparing for a drastic weather change this weekend with a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected. After enjoying warm temperatures in the 70s, residents should brace for a slippery situation as rain transitions to ice overnight. The National Weather Service warns of challenging driving conditions and potential power outages. It’s advisable for everyone to stay cautious and have winter gear ready as temperatures plunge into the 20s. As the weather clears, milder conditions are predicted to follow next week.

Columbia, S.C. Prepares for Icy Weekend Ahead!

Well, folks, it looks like Columbia, South Carolina, is in for quite the weather shake-up this weekend! After enjoying some delightful sunshine with temperatures reaching a balmy 78°F today, winter is set to crash the party. Yes, you heard that right! All signs point to a chilly mix of winter weather hitting the Midlands, just in time for the weekend.

What’s Happening with the Weather?

If you’ve stepped outside today, you might have admired the light breeze and warm sun—perfect shorts weather, right? However, the forecast has shifted gears dramatically. As night falls on Friday, rain showers are expected to move into the area, with precipitation likely starting up before 11 p.m. And what comes next? A messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that’s bound to cause some chaos!

As temperatures drop overnight, that refreshing rain will turn slick, making driving conditions pretty tricky. Expect this wintry mix to keep the streets icy and unyielding until about 1 p.m.> on Saturday. Residents and visitors should be prepared for potential power outages thanks to the weight of the freezing rain weighing down tree limbs and power lines.

Preparing for the Icy Blast

The National Weather Service has identified the area likely to be hit hardest as the Midlands region north of Interstate 20, where the wintry mix could leave its mark. This storm could bring *the first measurable snow* since a small storm in January 2022, where Columbia saw about 1-3 inches of snow. So, who’s ready to finally see some snowflakes fluttering down?

Before all this coldness sweeps in, temperatures are expected to dip a fair bit. We’re talking highs in the comfy 40s and lows plunging into the 20s! That’s a far cry from the normal high of 57°F and low of 35°F at this time of year. It’s best to get your winter gear out and dust it off—scarves, hats, and gloves might just become your new best friends!

Safety First: Travel Risks Ahead

Looking Ahead: What’s in Store?

Once the weekend weather clears up, residents might be pleasantly surprised because sunny and dry conditions are set to return next week, complete with above-normal temperatures. So after the icy grip of winter makes its point, we can expect a return to milder weather that will hopefully have us daydreaming of spring!

So, Columbia, grab those blankets, stay safe, and prepare for a wintry surprise this weekend! Whether you choose to cozy up at home or venture out to create a snowman, let’s just say—this weather will definitely give us something to talk about!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Weekend Weather Update for Columbia, SC
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Additional Resources

• The State: Weather News
• Wikipedia: Weather
• WLTX: South Carolina Weather
• Google Search: South Carolina Weather
• ABC Columbia: Weather Closings
• Google Scholar: Weather Forecasting
• The State: Latest Weather Updates
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather