COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) — Winter is officially here, and Columbia residents are stepping into the season with brisk temperatures and clear skies. Today marks the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, with less than 10 hours of daylight. While we may have limited sunshine hours, the skies will stay mostly clear, offering plenty of light while it lasts.
The temperature, however, will remind everyone that winter has arrived. Highs today are expected to hover in the low 50s, so it’s a good day to bundle up if you’re heading outdoors.
Looking ahead, Sunday and Monday will be even chillier. Highs will struggle to get into the upper 40s, making it feel even more like the heart of winter. Adding to the frosty conditions, nighttime temperatures will dip into the 20s for the next two nights. Those planning to be out late or early in the morning should prepare for freezing weather.
The high-pressure system that will settle over the eastern United States will be a high-pressure system, keeping the weather calm and quiet for the next few days. Such stable weather patterns bring clear skies and dry conditions to Columbia, bringing much-needed relief from stormy weather.
However, the gentle trend will not last long. Around Christmas, temperatures will be slightly higher, introducing a wetter and warmer phase for the region. Scattered rain showers could arrive as early as Christmas Eve and grow more likely on Christmas Day.
The rain isn’t expected to let up entirely after the holiday, either. Off-and-on showers are likely to stick around through the final week of the year. As the rain moves in, daytime highs will gradually climb into the upper 50s and low 60s, offering a temporary break from the biting cold of early winter.
For now, some calm, chilly days await residents of Columbia. Take a deep breath of crisp winter air, prep for the holidays, or just hunker down in the warmth and comfort of home-this is your time to drink in these peaceful moments of the season, before the rain arrives.
Stay warm and keep checking the forecast as we drive into the middle of the holiday season.
