Hard freeze headed to parts of SC soon. Here’s when, where and how cold it may get
Winter isn’t done with South Carolina just yet.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to drop drastically across South Carolina in the coming days — with some areas facing possible hard freeze conditions. Parts of the state will first face chances of snow, freezing rain, and sleet on Wednesday, the NWS states.
A low-pressure system is expected to move into the Upstate and parts of the Midlands, bringing with it light chances of a wintry mix. Chances are greatest for the Upstate, with possibilities of snow Wednesday afternoon through the evening and into early Thursday. Little to no snow accumulation is expected.
There’s a slight chance of a wintry mix in the Midlands early Thursday, but nothing significant, the NWS predicted late Tuesday.
After Thursday morning, there’s no threat of any precipitation, but temperatures are expected to drop considerably and possibly hit hard freeze conditions.
Hard freeze
A hard freeze happens when temperatures reach 28 degrees or lower for at least an hour or longer, the NWS states. Such cold will usually destroy seasonal vegetation.
Temperature changes in SC
For the Midlands, highs are only expected to reach the low 40s on Thursday, with lows barely cracking 20 degrees. Friday will be just slightly warmer, with highs in the mid-40s and lows in the low 20s. Saturday will also be exceptionally cold, with highs in the low 50s and lows in the high 20s.
Residents in the Upstate should brace for even colder temperatures, NWS forecasts show. The highs on Thursday will hover around 40 degrees, while the lows will dip into the frigid teens. And for Friday and Saturday, count on highs in the 40s and low 50s, followed by nighttime temperatures in the high 20s.
The Lowcountry and Pee Dee region will also face some freezing temperatures in the coming days.
For the Lowcountry, temperatures are expected to reach below freezing this week only on Thursday, with lows in the high 20s. In the Pee Dee region, the coldest weather of the week will be on Thursday and Friday nights, with lows in the mid to high 20s.
After Saturday, the weather is expected to get significantly warmer across the state and match more usual temperatures for February.
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.
