Snow could follow the freezing temperatures forecast to hit the Midlands. Here’s when

There’s a chance Columbia could get some snow at the end of this week. Freezing cold temperatures are more of a sure thing in the latest forecast, the National Weather Service said Tuesday.

The coldest temperatures of the year — so far — are expected overnight, the National Weather Service said.

If there is any snow, it’s forecast to fall over the weekend, National Weather Service meteorologist Pierce Larkin told The State.

“(Snow) is a possibility for Saturday night and into Sunday morning,” Larkin said.

He warned there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast that far out and more analysis should let meteorologists know by Thursday or Friday if there will be snow falling in the Midlands.

“It could be a wintry mix or all rain, it’s too early to tell,” Larkin said.

That wintry mix could come in the form of snow, sleet, freezing rain, or all of the forms of precipitation, according to Larkin. It is too early to tell if there will be a threat of black ice on Midlands roads.

If there is snow, it would mark the first time since Jan. 6, 2017 that the white stuff fell on Columbia. About a tenth of an inch was recorded five years ago, Larkin said.

Possible snowfall projections for this weekend are uncertain, and it’s not currently known if any potential snow would be a dusting or enough to accumulate.

There’s much more certainty temperatures will be chilling.

Temperatures are expected start dropping late Tuesday night and reach lows of 22 to 24 degrees early Wednesday, at about 5 to 7 a.m., according to Larkin. But several hours will be in the 20s across the region, Larkin said.

Should thermometers descend to 22 degrees, it would match the coldest day recorded in 2021, when it was below freezing on Feb. 4, according to Larkin.

“It will be unusually cold for this time of the year,” Larkin said. “The normal low is 34 degrees.”

While temperatures will drop, some typically cooler locations could drop into the teens, according to the National Weather Service.

Midlands residents might need to cover pipes and outdoor water spigots, Larkin said.

People will want to bring in pets as well as sensitive plants and other vegetation, according to the National Weather Service.

“Bundle up to stay warm and try to limit your time outside,” Larkin said.

Beginning Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to reach highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s, according to the National Weather Service. The weather is expected to cool again on the weekend.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

This story was originally published January 11, 2022 at 9:31 AM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription