Unseasonably Warm November Begins in Columbia, South Carolina

Unseasonably Warm November Kicks Off in Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, S.C. — If you thought we were jumping straight into winter, think again! November has arrived, and with it, warm temperatures that are anything but typical for this time of year. Highs are expected to reach the lower 80s today, making it feel more like the tail end of summer instead of the beginning of a month known for crisp air and falling leaves.

A Look Back at Halloween

Just yesterday, the weather gave us a warm send-off to October. Columbia’s temperature soared to a delightful 83 degrees, while nearby Orangeburg even hit 84 degrees. It was a Halloween to remember—kids in costumes were able to trick-or-treat without heavy jackets! The warm weather has continued a trend seen throughout October, where the Columbia airport recorded only a trace of rainfall. This dry spell tied the record for the driest month ever in Columbia. Who would have thought we’d be talking about drought conditions as we head into the holiday season?

Dry and Warm Conditions Ahead

Looking forward, the warm spell is set to hang around for the start of the weekend. Today promises more of the same under partly cloudy skies. But, hold onto your hats because a dry cold front is expected to sweep through the state late Saturday. This will cool us down just a tad for Sunday, bringing temperatures to the middle 70s. When the cold front arrives, the skies will shift from partly cloudy to mostly cloudy, so you might want to grab a light sweater if you’re headed out!

The Week Ahead

If you’re making weekend plans, Monday looks to be another mild day, with high temperatures reaching the middle 70s again. It won’t be long before we find ourselves back in warmer territory, as high temperatures are projected to return to the lower 80s from Tuesday through Thursday. There’s even a slight chance of rain on Wednesday and Thursday, but let’s not get too excited just yet—the chances for showers are quite small.

A Blast from the Past

For a bit of nostalgia, here’s something to think about as you enjoy this warm weather: ten years ago today, South Carolina experienced its earliest and heaviest snowfall on record. On November 1, 2014, a surprising blanketing of snow caught many off guard. Just a few inches had fallen, but enough to briefly shut down I-20 near Gilbert and cause some power outages. While the impacts were relatively manageable, those who experienced it will likely recall the November 1 snow event for years to come.

Wrap-up

So, as we dive headfirst into November, let’s embrace these warm, sunny days. While we might not be carving pumpkins in winter coats this year, at least we can take advantage of the nice weather while planning our transition into the holiday season. Stay tuned, and keep enjoying these beautiful fall days—before we know it, the chill will be upon us! Don’t forget to keep your umbrellas handy just in case!”