SC facing hard freeze soon. Here’s how cold and if it’ll last through Christmas
Below normal, freezing temperatures are expected to hit much of South Carolina this weekend, but Christmas Day should be warmer, new forecasts show.
According to the National Weather Service, cold and dry weather will move into much of South Carolina over the weekend, drastically lowering temperatures enough to trigger a hard freeze that may cause pipes to burst in parts of the state. However, don’t expect such cold weather in the state on Christmas Day.
“Below normal temperatures continue through Christmas Eve, followed by a mid-week warming trend,” the NWS states. “The next chance of rain arrives around Christmas Day.”
Hard Freeze
A hard freeze happens when temperatures fall to 28 degrees or lower for at least an hour or longer, the NWS states. Such cold will usually destroy seasonal vegetation and may cause water pipes to freeze and burst. It can also prove deadly for certain pets.
Temperature changes in SC
The forecast as of Thursday afternoon shows the Midlands can expect a few showers possibly on Friday, mainly north and east of I-26. Temperatures will plummet on Saturday, reaching highs of 51 degrees and lows in the 20s. Wind chills below 20 degrees will be possible, the NWS states.
Temperatures will fall even further on Sunday, with highs in the mid-40s and lows in the low 20s.
“Cold Weather Advisory criteria may be met Sunday night,” the NWS states.
A cold weather advisory is issued when seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected. Under such conditions, the NWS advises people to cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.
Expect more hard freeze conditions Monday night, with lows in the mid-20s.
However, temperatures will noticeably rise to lows in the 30s on Tuesday and Christmas Day on Wednesday. Still, there will be a 30% chance of showers on Christmas Day.
For residents in the Upstate, plan for colder temperatures sooner, with lows forecast to drop to 24 degrees on Saturday. Also, parts of the Upstate can expect a higher 40% chance of showers on Christmas Day, with highs in the 50s.
Meanwhile, the Pee Dee Region and the Lowcountry won’t face hard freeze conditions, but they’ll still have lows in the 30s over the weekend.
How to protect pipes from freeze
- Below are some tips to protect your home and pipes from hard freezes, according to nonprofit Consumer Reports.
- Keep garage doors closed to trap in heat.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warmer air circulate around plumbing.
- Let cold water drip from sink faucets.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night.
- If you plan to be away during cold weather, set the heat in your home no lower than 55 degrees.
