Frost advisory issued in Midlands, but how low are temperatures forecast to drop?
Temperatures are forecast to drop so low overnight that a frost advisory was issued for the Midlands Tuesday.
While the temperature might not dip below freezing in the Columbia area, it is expected to be in the mid 30s, according to the National Weather Service. That will result in frost forming.
Should temperatures drop to 32 degrees or lower, it would be the earliest fall freeze in Columbia in at least the past six years. Since 2017, temperatures haven’t fallen below freezing until November, and the earliest fall freeze recorded in Columbia was Oct. 4, 1974, according to meteorologist Melissa Griffin.
The frost advisory was issued at 5 a.m. Tuesday and will remain in effect at least through 9 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.
All of the Midlands is listed in the frost advisory, including Richland and Lexington counties.
Frost can kill any sensitive outdoor vegetation that’s left uncovered, and people will want to bring in pets, according to the National Weather Service.
Should temperatures drop into the freezing range, Midlands residents might need to cover pipes and outdoor water spigots to protect them from bursting.
No precipitation is in the forecast, removing the chances of freezing rain, sleet or snow, which should be a help to drivers making the morning commute.
Temperatures in Columbia are forecast to rise to as high as 61 degrees on Wednesday, before plummeting again overnight when more lows in the mid 30s are expected.
For the rest of the week, overnights will continue to be cool, but not as cold while temperatures could return to the 70s by Friday or Saturday, according to the forecast. Days are predicted to remain warm going into early next week, the forecast shows.
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This story was originally published October 18, 2022 at 1:31 PM.
