How bad could weather in the Midlands get? Wintry mix possible
Freezing rain could be part of wintry weather mix headed for the Midlands later this week.
But National Weather Service meteorologists are not jumping to forecast whether even harsher weather could be headed for the Palmetto State.
“There’s still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast,” said Weather Service meteorologist Tony Petrolito. “We could have a significant storm. But, right now, there’s just a chance of freezing rain.”
Skies will be mostly cloudy Tuesday, with a high near 53 degrees and a low about 35 degrees. The Weather Service forecasts a chance of rain showers Wednesday, with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 48 degrees. Cloudy skies will continue into Wednesday night, with a low about 31 degrees.
Petrolito said the cold weather will pick up Thursday afternoon.
The forecast calls for:
▪ Thursday: A chance of rain after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy skies, with a high near 40 degrees and a low about 29 degrees
▪ Friday: Freezing rain before 7 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 41 degrees and a low about 30 degrees
▪ Saturday: Mostly sunny skies, with a high near 48 degrees and a low about 28 degrees
Freezing temperatures and rain could make the roads slick for driving later in the week. Petrolito said any ice that sticks to trees and power lines also could result in power outages. The Weather Service has not issued any weather advisories.
Merry Christmas! While we are not seeing a white Christmas, we are expecting cool temperatures through the week. Sunshine and highs in the upper 40s to lower 50s today and Tuesday. A secondary arctic front will bring much colder air late in the week. pic.twitter.com/Jbl6W5qIPS
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) December 25, 2017
“There’s still a question whether there will be enough moisture in the region for precipitation,” Petrolito said. “But the threat appears to be mainly freezing rain across central South Carolina.”
Maayan Schechter: 803-771-8657, @MaayanSchechter
Winter weather in SC
The Midlands did not get snow this Christmas, but National Weather Service meteorologists say a winter storm could be brewing for later this week. Here’s what to expect in Columbia:
When will it get cold?
Thursday afternoon through Friday
How cold will it get?
A wintry mix is possible mainly across the northern Midlands, according to the Weather Service. It forecasts rain and snow is likely before 1 a.m. Thursday followed by sleet between 1 and 3 a.m. Thursday’s forecast calls for cloudy skies, with a low about 29 degrees. On Friday, freezing rain is likely, possibly mixed with rain before 7 a.m. The high Friday will be near 41 degrees, with a low about 30 degrees.
What is the possible impact?
Significant ice accumulation is possible. Too much ice could leave roads slick. Ice on trees and power lines also could result in power outages.
Have weather watches or warnings or advisories been issued yet?
No
SOURCE: National Weather Service
This story was originally published December 25, 2017 at 4:31 PM with the headline "How bad could weather in the Midlands get? Wintry mix possible."