Coldest weather this winter headed to SC soon. Here’s where to set your thermostat to save money
Below-normal, freezing temperatures are expected to blast South Carolina most of next week, the latest forecasts show.
According to the National Weather Service, a blast of cold, dry air will move through South Carolina next week, generating below-average temperatures for both daytime highs and overnight lows. Much of South Carolina may also endure hard freezes several nights, which could cause unprotected pipes to burst.
“Below-average temps will likely linger into the middle of January,” the NWS states.
Temperature forecasts in SC
The latest forecast shows the Midlands can expect an early preview of the exceptionally cold weather on Saturday and Sunday, with highs in the high 40s and lows in the high 20s. Temperatures will then warm up some on Sunday, followed by showers early Monday as a front moves through.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, expect highs in the mid-40s and lows in the mid-20s.
Thursday will likely be the coldest day of the week, with highs barely over 40 degrees and lows around 23 degrees. The Midlands will also likely see highs in the low 40s and lows in the 20s and low 30s from Friday through Sunday.
For folks in the Upstate, expect colder temperatures even sooner, with lows expected to hit 22 degrees Tuesday evening. By Thursday, highs will likely only reach the high 30s, while lows will hover around 20 degrees.
The Lowcountry and Pee Dee region will also endure frigid temperatures next week, with highs in the 40s and lows in the high 20s to low 30s.
Hard Freeze
Mainly the Midlands and Upstate will likely face hard freeze conditions next week.
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.
Recommended Thermostat Setting
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to around 68 degrees to 70 degrees while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home to save energy in the winter.
“During winter, the lower the interior temperature, the slower the heat loss. So the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save, because your house has lost less energy than it would have at the higher temperature,” the Department of Energy states.
Staying Comfortable
Carolina Comfort Inc., a Columbia-based HVAC company, notes that 68 degrees is a great temperature to target, since it’s warm enough to keep most people from shivering, while still low enough to avoid wasting money or straining your heater.
“Too much strain could lead you to install a new heating system,” Carolina Comfort states.
