News Summary
Columbia, SC experiences unseasonably warm temperatures this April, with highs reaching up to 90 degrees. Despite the high warmth, over 97% of South Carolina is under drought conditions. A severe weather alert issued indicates strong storms on Monday, leading to possible flash flooding. As the storms pass, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, heralding cooler and drier conditions for the week ahead.
Unseasonably Warm April and Wild Weather Ahead for Columbia, SC
Hello, Columbia! It seems like spring has decided to skip ahead this year, bringing us some unseasonably warm temperatures this April. Typically, we like to enjoy highs of around 77 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during this time, but many of our days have been basking in warmth that’s a cozy 8 to 10 degrees above normal. That’s right – if you’ve felt a little too toasty for April, you’re not alone!
Over the last 50 years, temperatures across the U.S. have climbed by about 2.8 degrees. South Carolina has followed suit, with an average rise of around 2.5 degrees. However, Columbia seems to have taken that increase a step further, showing a significant jump of 3.0 degrees. No wonder folks have been trading in their light jackets for sundresses and shorts!
Despite the warm sunshine, Columbia has encountered a bit of a double-edged sword lately. It’s hard to believe that many of us have flirted with near 90-degree days in April while dealing with a rainfall situation that’s left more than 97% of South Carolina under some level of drought. April has turned out to be relatively dry, showing a minor surplus in total rainfall with only a few stretches of consecutive rainy days.
Speaking of rain, we’re expecting a shift in the weather soon. The last week of April will likely see our afternoon temperatures hovering between the mid-70s to upper 80s, which is still above the norm for late April. While we’re basking in warmth, forecast models point toward some much-needed relief from the drought. With several days of measurable rainfall underway, it could mark a turning point for those parched landscapes.
Severe Weather Alert for Monday!
Mark your calendars, folks! Monday is shaping up to be quite an eventful day in Columbia. From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., the National Weather Service has forecasted strong to severe storms as a cold front rolls in. The biggest concerns? Damaging winds and heavy rain, which could lead to flash flooding, especially in our urban and flood-prone areas.
If you happen to be along or south of the Interstate 20 corridor, keep an especially close eye on the weather developments. With a 100% chance of rain in the forecast and potential precipitation amounts of up to 2 inches, it’s essential to stay informed as Mother Nature gears up for a showdown. Winds will be breezy, reaching around 10-15 mph, with gusts possibly peaking at 26 mph.
Right now, no severe warnings or advisories are in effect, but with storms approaching, it’s advisable to be prepared for any changes along the way.
Cooler Days Ahead
Once the storm passes, brace yourselves for a dramatic weather shift! Cooler and drier conditions will take over midweek, bringing high temperatures down into the 60s. As temperatures drop, we may even see a chance of frost on Tuesday night, dipping into the mid to upper 30s.
As if that wasn’t enough, keep in mind that the South Carolina Department of Transportation is closely monitoring the situation. There may even be plans for a First Alert Weather Day this coming Thursday, as another round of wintry precipitation could sweep through the area.
So, Columbia, hold on to your hats – it looks like we have a wild weather week ahead! With warmth followed by thunderstorms and a sudden dip in temperatures, don’t forget to stay updated and safe as we navigate through this unpredictable April.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cayce Community Unites to Search for Missing Teen
Tragic School Bus Crash in Chester County Claims Life of 13-Year-Old Student
Celebrate Easter Weekend with Fun Activities in Columbia, S.C.
Discover Retirement Bliss in South Carolina: Safe and Affordable Towns
Winter Weather Advisory: Columbia, SC Prepares for Wintry Conditions
Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Columbia, S.C. Monday
Tragic Plane Crash in New York Claims Lives of Six Family Members
Easter Festivities Unite Families in Lexington County
New Local Channel Spectrum News South Carolina Launches
Wildfires Rage in South Carolina: A State of Emergency Declared
Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Columbia, SC
- The State: Weather News
- ABC Columbia: SC DOT Weather Preparations
- WIS TV: Chance of Storms and Wintry Weather
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
