Freezing temperatures are forecast for the Columbia area. Here’s when
Freezing temperatures are forecast to take hold of the Columbia area of South Carolina on Monday night, and the cold spell could last for days, according to the National Weather Service.
A freeze warning has been issued for all the Midlands, National Weather Service meteorologists said Monday in a morning briefing.
The freeze warning will go into effect at 8 p.m. Monday and will run until at least 9 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.
After the sun sets Monday, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing and into the 20s, according to the briefing. Some areas could see thermometers fall into the low 20s, and wind chills will be in the teens, meteorologists said.
The winter weather likely means an end to growing season in South Carolina as frost and freezing conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation, the National Weather Service said. Residents are advised to take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
The freezing conditions also present a threat to unprotected outdoor plumbing, according to meteorologists. To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain them, or allow them to drip slowly, the National Weather Service said.
Tuesday is expected to be a cold day, with temperatures failing to reach 50 degrees, the forecast shows. Near or below freezing temperatures are likely again Tuesday night in the Midlands, according to the briefing.
Gusty winds are also in the forecast Monday, which could cause conditions to feel even colder. Wind speeds are predicted to pick up in the afternoon and increase in strength into the night, according to the advisory.
Because powerful winds moving as fast as 40 mph are possible a lake wind advisory also has been issued for the Midlands as rough waves on area lakes could create hazardous conditions for boaters, meteorologists said. That advisory is scheduled to run through 4 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather will warm beginning Wednesday, as temperatures are expected to climb into the 60s before the weekend, the forecast shows. Temperatures could reach the 70s on Saturday and Sunday, according to the forecast.
One thing that is not expected this week, regardless of temperature, is any precipitation. So no snow is predicted overnight, and rain is not forecast as temperatures rise the rest of the week.
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