News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina, is preparing for an unexpected winter treat as snowfall is forecasted for early this week. The National Weather Service predicts light snow accumulation ranging from a dusting to 2 inches, primarily starting Tuesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday morning. Residents are advised to brace for chilly temperatures, potential black ice, and take precautions for their homes and pets. This rare weather event has many local residents excited for a taste of winter wonderland.
Snowfall Expected in Columbia, South Carolina, Early This Week
Columbia, South Carolina, is gearing up for a surprise winter treat as the National Weather Service signals that snowfall is on its way early this week! So, grab your hot cocoa and pull out your scarves because the chilly temperatures mean we are in for a bit of a winter wonderland.
When Will the Snow Arrive?
The fun is likely to kick off on Tuesday afternoon, with snowflakes expected to start dancing down from the sky between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. This wintry mix should continue throughout the night into Wednesday morning. How exciting!
How Much Snow Are We Talking About?
Now, let’s talk about the snow accumulation. While there’s a bit of uncertainty surrounding just how much snow will cover the ground, forecasts suggest we could see anywhere from a light dusting to as much as 2 inches of fluffy white goodness in the Columbia area. The southern and eastern parts of the Midlands may even receive a little more than that. So, if you have plans to build a snowman, keep your fingers crossed for a bit more snow!
A Sharp Cutoff
For those living on the outskirts, especially to the west of Columbia, the weather is expected to shift quickly, with a sharp cutoff for snowfall coming in closer to Chapin and Newberry. It seems like the snow is making a deliberate decision on where to fall!
Chilly Weather Ahead
This week’s temperatures are set to be quite cold as well, with morning lows possibly dropping into the teens. The wind chill will make it feel even colder—like we’re in single digits! It’s definitely the perfect time to cozy up indoors. As for Wednesday, the high is expected to hover around a brisk 34 degrees, but don’t pack away those winter jackets just yet because an overnight low of 15 degrees could be the coldest we’ll experience all week.
Watch Out for Black Ice!
If snow does fall and subsequently melts during the day, keep in mind that the overnight freezing could lead to black ice the next day. A word to the wise: drive carefully out there!
Protecting Your Home and Pets
As temperatures plummet, it’s wise for residents to take precautionary measures. Make sure to cover outdoor water pipes and spigots to prevent them from freezing. Let indoor faucets drip a little to keep the water flowing. And don’t forget about your furry friends! Bring pets inside to keep them warm, and check on livestock to ensure they have a cozy place to weather the chilly storm.
What’s Next?
And if you’re thinking this is just a one-time event, don’t put away your snow boots just yet. There’s a slight chance for more snow late on Thursday night following this initial storm. Fingers crossed for another round of winter magic!
A Rare Winter Treat
For many in the Midlands, significant snowfall is a rare occurrence. The last significant storm was back in January 2022, with the last measurable snow before that going all the way back to January 2017. So, it’s safe to say that this snowfall could be a delightful surprise for Columbia residents!
Stay Updated!
Keep in mind that there’s still uncertainty around these weather predictions. Updates will be provided as the forecast becomes more accurate, so stay tuned for information on this winter event! Columbia, are you ready for snow?
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HERE Resources
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Winter Storm Cora Brings Heavy Snow and Ice Across the South
Columbia, South Carolina’s Christmas Forecast: More Green Than White
South Carolina Braces for Warmer, Drier Winter Amid Weak La Niña Conditions
Winter Forecast: South Carolina Braces for a Warmer and Drier Season Ahead
Additional Resources
- The State
- Google Search: winter weather South Carolina
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Weather
- WIS TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Columbia South Carolina weather
- WACH
