Above normal heat and worsening drought conditions expected in Columbia soon, NWS says

Get some loose-fitting clothes and plenty of hydration, because it’s supposed to be extremely warm next week in the Columbia area and much of South Carolina, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

If you’re already starting to sweat, it’s because the forecast, which was made on Thursday, expects near-record-breaking temperatures today due to southern shifting winds. According to The Weather Channel, the high today should be 89 degrees.

A dry cold front will move through the region tonight, creating cooler temperatures for the following day.

Columbia weekend weather

There’s a very small chance the cold front will produce rain near the North Carolina border. Otherwise, the forecast remains dry this weekend.

Temperatures are expected to be within a normal range on Saturday, with a high of 64 degrees and a low of 37 degrees. However, there’s an increasing concern for fire weather due to current drought conditions, the very dry air and breezy conditions that are expected from the cold front.

On Sunday, dry and cold weather will continue throughout the area. The Weather Channel says the high will be 68 degrees, and the low will be 49 degrees.

Next week’s weather

The weather on Monday will start warming things up. With temperatures expected to reach the high 70s and mid 50s, It’ll probably be one of the only nice days next week to enjoy the outside before it starts getting too hot.

Tuesday is when temperatures are forecasted to be above well normal this early in spring. The high is expected to reach the mid 80s, even with some potential cloud coverage.

The pattern continues to Wednesday, with temperatures expecting to reach the high 80s once again.

Drought conditions to get worse

Much of SC has already been in a low-to-moderate drought for the past couple months, but the lack of rainfall and the extremely hot weather will likely make conditions even more dry.

Every part of SC’s central area is experiencing some sort of drought condition. Since the start of the year, moderate drought conditions have increased in the area by around 13%. Additionally, no central area of SC was experiecing a severe drought at the start of the year, but now nearly 22% is.