News Summary
As Christmas nears, Columbia, SC is bracing for a green holiday without snow, as the National Weather Service predicts less than a 1% chance of white Christmas. Despite a festive spirit and average temperatures around 57°F, the city will experience rain instead of snow this year. Historical records show that snowy Christmases are a rarity in Columbia, with significant snowfall occurring infrequently over the past century. However, residents are determined to embrace the holiday warmth and joy regardless of the weather.
Columbia, SC, Bracing for a Green Christmas!
As Christmas approaches, the city of Columbia, South Carolina, is getting ready for a festive season. However, if you were hoping for a blanket of snow to sprinkle some magic on your holiday festivities, you might want to reconsider. According to local meteorologist Steve LaVoie from the National Weather Service, Columbia and its surrounding Midlands region are expected to enjoy a green Christmas this year. The chance of snow? A measly less than 1%.
Snow Chances Are Slim to None
In fact, meteorologists have labeled the likelihood of experiencing any sort of snowfall on Christmas Day as “highly unlikely.” With forecasts indicating the arrival of rain starting Christmas night, it seems that holiday revelers will have to make do without any frosty white drifts in sight. And, given that the Midlands is not known for significant snowfall, the prospect of a snowy wonderland feels almost like a far-off dream.
The National Weather Service has been keeping tabs on the weather in the Midlands since 1887, and it’s safe to say that there hasn’t been much in the way of snow over the years. In all that time, the only notable trace of snowfall occurred way back in 1924! The most significant winter storm recorded came in December 1989 when heavy snow fell on the South Carolina coast, making it a day to remember, with Myrtle Beach reporting 14 inches and Charleston around 8 inches.
A Look Back at Christmas Weather History
When it comes to Christmases past in South Carolina, the records tell their own tale. For instance, in 1899, snow mixed with sleet graced the air but sadly melted before it could leave a trace. Fast forward to 1945, when the state experienced an ice storm combining rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain, a chaotic mix that left many scratching their heads. The year 1983 saw a notorious cold snap that plummeted temps to a brisk 7°F on Christmas morning, yet not a flake of snow fell.
More recent history includes a light dusting of 3 inches of snow in Pickens County in 2010 and a few inches reported in the Upstate in 2020. However, all these events remind us just how rare snowy scenes are during the holiday season in this part of the country.
What to Expect This Christmas
Looking ahead to this Christmas, residents can expect an average high temperature around 57°F with lows settling in the mid-30s. Sounds perfect for sipping hot cocoa and cozying up, but it doesn’t spell snow. On average, Columbia has only about a 10% chance of a white Christmas, thanks in large part to its geographical position in the Southeastern United States, leading to milder winter weather compared to the chilly northern states.
If you’re looking to soak in that snowy Christmas vibe, you may have to hop on a plane or pack the car to head to areas like the Rocky Mountains or the northern United States, where white Christmases are more common.
Embracing the Festive Spirit!
Despite the lack of snow, don’t let that dampen your holiday spirit! Columbia is filled with excitement and festive cheer, and locals are embracing the warmth of the holidays with open arms. Whether it’s gathering with friends and family around the dinner table or strolling through twinkling lights downtown, the festive atmosphere is alive and well.
So, this season, as you layer up in those cozy sweaters, remember that a green Christmas doesn’t mean it can’t be filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Want to build a snowman? Well, it may have to wait for another year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful holiday in Columbia!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- The State: Christmas Weather in Columbia, SC
- WLTX: Could This Be the Year for a Rare Snowy Christmas?
- Post and Courier: Snow Flurries in Columbia
- Wikipedia: Weather in South Carolina
- WLTX: Snow Flurries Possible in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
