Columbia & Midlands are unusually hot, will get hotter soon. Here’s when, how long heat will last

Would you be shocked if I told you it was already summer?

Even though that’s a lie, this week’s temperatures have made it feel like South Carolina skipped past spring and went straight into the warmest time of the year.

So what’s up? According to the National Weather Service, much of SC experienced well-above-average temperatures this week.

Spring hasn’t even started yet, but the NWS’s Seasonal Temperature Outlook for the next couple of months is already looking accurate. The agency predicted above-normal temperatures this spring were likely.

And next week is looking to be even hotter.

NWS’s forecast

As of Thursday, when the NWS released their latest forecast, much hotter temperatures are expected to continue across the state next week, along with some shower and storm chances.

The Midlands have a 40-50% chance to continue seeing above-average temperatures between March 12 and 18.

The weekend forecast

There’s a decent chance SC will see isolated or scattered showers and thunderstorms today, although rain accumulation should be very light. Even with cloud coverage, temperatures will likely reach the low to mid 80s.

On Sunday, temperatures will continue to be well above average and reach the mid 80s. There is a 50% chance of rain during the afternoon and evening.

Next week forecast

Monday will once again see a decent chance of rain, around 35%, with the possibility of thunderstorms. The high is predicted to be 84 degrees in Columbia. The rest of SC will experience similar temperatures.

It will be even hotter on Tuesday, with a high of 86 degrees in Columbia, which will be the hottest in the state. Rain chances dip, but there’s still a 28% chance of precipitation in Columbia.

Wednesday will see the hottest temperatures of the week, with much of the Midlands, including Columbia, expected to reach 87 degrees by midday. Rain chances increase slightly, with Columbia having a 31% of rain throughout the day.

Thursday, which is as far as the forecast predicts next week’s weather, should see a decrease in temperatures. The high in Columbia will likely be 81 degrees, and there’s a 39% chance of rain in the city.

How much total rain will SC see?

How much rain in total will SC see?

SC will see chances of rain throughout the weekend and next week, but total rain accumulation will be relatively light.

Up until Tuesday, the Midlands is expected to see no more than 0.25 inches of rain in total. At least 0.10 inches of rain is expected.

On the bright side, recent rainfall from last week has brought some drought improvements to the Midlands, so next week’s rain will continue to improve conditions, even if it’s only by a little bit.

SC is in the middle of its wildfire season, and any bit of rain helps.