News Summary
Columbia, SC is gearing up for a hot Thursday with temperatures reaching 94°F and a heat index of 108°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are expected, leading to travel disruptions and possible power outages. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, monitor weather updates, and be prepared for sudden storms. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for nearby counties, with concerns over damaging winds and flash flooding. The upcoming weekend may bring more rain and continued warm temperatures before a potential cool down early next week.
Columbia, SC Braces for Sweltering Heat and Stormy Weather on Thursday!
Heads up, Columbia! If you’re planning on being out and about on Thursday, you might want to brace yourself for some serious heat and a chance of thunderstorms that could really shake things up in the afternoon! As we prepare for a sizzling day, temperatures are predicted to soar up to 94°F, but the heat index is set to escalate to a jaw-dropping 108 degrees! That’s right, folks – you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on how long you’re staying outside during these peak hours.
Get Ready for Afternoon Showers and Thunderstorms!
The weather isn’t just going to be hot; it’s also going to be pretty stormy! Showers and thunderstorms are likely to roll in after 11 a.m., so if you’re planning to hit the roads, be prepared for some travel disruptions. The National Weather Service is warning that scattered thunderstorms will start developing by late morning and continue into the afternoon. That means wet roads and potential slowdowns on busy routes like I-26, so allow yourself some extra time if you’re heading out!
Stay Safe from the Heat!
With the heat index soaring above 105°F by midday, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limit your outdoor activities when the sun is beating down. Remember to be careful of sudden storm gusts and flashes of lightning as storms approach. Better safe than sorry!
Thunderstorm Watch in Effect!
Adding to the weather drama, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in place until 9 p.m. Thursday for several nearby counties, including Calhoun, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Orangeburg, and Sumter. The big worries with this watch are damaging winds that could gust up to 60 mph, the possibility of isolated large hail, and the risk of flash flooding. So, folks, stay tuned to weather updates because the conditions could change rapidly!
Be Prepared for Power Outages!
And just in case those storms cause any disruptions, it might be wise to charge your mobile devices ahead of time. There’s a chance of brief power outages, and being prepared is always the smart move. For school kids and outdoor workers in Richland and Lexington counties, keep your eyes peeled for the latest weather updates as the afternoon unfolds.
What’s Next for the Weekend?
As we look ahead, the weather pattern could remain a bit unsettled. Although we might see a slight chance of light showers later in the week, temperatures are expected to stay near record warmth with highs close to 90°F on Friday and Saturday. Don’t pack up the rain gear just yet, because there’s more rain expected this weekend, especially on Saturday and Sunday, as thunderstorms pop up again!
Early Next Week Could Bring a Cool Down!
After all the heat and storms, early next week might bring a quick cool down with highs dipping into the low 80s and continued humidity in the air. Expect intermittent showers to linger into early next week, with temperatures ranging from 87°F to 89°F through Tuesday, August 5th. So whether you’re packing a picnic for the park or staying cozy at home, stay alert for those summer storms and, more importantly, stay cool!
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Additional Resources
- The State: Severe Thunderstorm Updates
- WACH: Columbia SC Weather Blog
- WLTX: Weather Impact Alert
- WIS TV: Power Outages from Storms
- Island Packet: Latest Weather News
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
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