Here’s what kind of winter weather South Carolina can expect this year, according to Farmers’ Almanac and NOAA.
File
AP
South Carolinians should expect mostly average temperatures and exceptionally rainy weather this winter, forecasts show.
Fall has begun providing some much needed relief from another scorching summer in South Carolina. But if you’re a fan of particularly icy weather in the winter, this likely won’t be your year.
The Palmetto State is headed for a winter with fairly normal temperatures for the season, according to the Farmers’ Almanac and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. However, there is a small chance of a bit of snow late into the winter season.
Meteorological winter starts on Dec. 1. Here’s what weather NOAA and Farmers’ Almanac predicts for the winter season.
NOAA winter predictions
NOAA expects equal chances of temperatures below normal and above normal for November through January in South Carolina. The agency predicts a 40% to 50% chance of above normal rainfall for most of the state. NOAA also predicts a lesser 33% to 40% chance of above normal rainfall for much of the Upstate.
A map that shows temperature forecasts for the U.S. from November through January. screenshot Courtesy of NOAA
A map that shows rainfall forecasts across the U.S. between November and January. screenshot Courtesy of NOAA
Farmers Almanac predictions
NOAA isn’t alone with its winter weather predictions. The extended forecast from Farmers’ Almanac also suggests an overly rainy winter in South Carolina and across the Southeast.
South Carolina will end November with fair, cold weather and roll into December with a fast-moving storm with moderate to heavy precipitation. The middle of December will have mostly clear, sunny weather. However, cold rains from the Gulf Coast will move into the Carolinas the week of Dec. 20 and the rain will likely linger into the start of the Christmas holiday.
A seasonably cold and wet winter in the Pacific Northwest could mean an active winter for Idaho. Farmers' Almanac
More rain will kick off January, followed by a a dip in temperatures. Farmers’ Almanac predicts cold air from Canada will pour south the week of Jan. 12, bringing a significant freeze, even down to Florida. Temperatures will drop more in the later part of January.
Much of February will have rain showers and frigid temperatures. However, Farmers’ Almanac also predicts scattered snow and rain showers the week of Dec. 8.
The following week of Feb. 12 could have have some unseasonably cold temperatures.
How Farmers’ Almanac predicts the weather
Founded in 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac uses a secret formula that includes components such as “sunspot activity, tidal action, the position of the planet,” to predict long-range weather forecasts. The forecasts are typically made two years in advance. Fans of the Farmers’ Almanac have, over the years, calculated that the predictions are accurate 80-85% of the time.
Patrick McCreless is the Southeast service journalism editor for McClatchy, who leads and edits a team of six reporters in South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi. The team writes about trending news of the day and topics that help readers in their daily lives and better informs them about their communities. He attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama and grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
