Columbia, South Carolina, August 4, 2025
News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina is set for a rainy day with a 70% chance of precipitation. Despite the weather, local sports teams are celebrating record attendance, including the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, which achieved a new NCAA attendance record. Meanwhile, USC football has sold out its home games for two consecutive seasons. Events attracting large crowds, such as the RBC Heritage Classic and South Carolina State Fair, also highlight the region’s vibrant community events, alongside severe weather concerns affecting millions in the Eastern Seaboard.
Columbia, South Carolina Faces Rain and Celebrates Record Attendance in Sports and Festivals
Columbia, South Carolina, is bracing for rain with a 70% chance of precipitation today, as temperatures reach a high of 82°F. Weather forecasts predict cloudy conditions and about a quarter of an inch of rain, with light northeast winds between 5 to 10 mph.
Coinciding with weather changes, South Carolina’s sports teams have achieved impressive attendance records. The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, led by coach Dawn Staley, set a new NCAA record this season with a total attendance of 279,423 fans over 17 games. This marks the 11th consecutive year the Gamecocks have topped national attendance averages, drawing approximately 16,437 fans per game.
While the Gamecocks continue to excel on the court, the USC football program has sold out all home games for both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, maintaining a full-capacity attendance at Williams-Brice Stadium, which can accommodate up to 77,559 spectators.
Impressive Crowd Records Across South Carolina
Notably, Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium, with an official capacity of 81,500 that can expand to 86,000 for standing room, reached a record of 86,092 attendees during a 1999 game against Florida State. Similarly, the 2024 Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament saw the Gamecocks defeat Oklahoma, further solidifying their fan support.
In motorsports, the RBC Heritage Classic in Hilton Head Island garners massive crowds, attracting over 100,000 spectators annually, with a record of 135,000 in 2019. The Cooper River Bridge Run, held on April 5, 2025, welcomed over 30,000 participants, although its peak of 45,663 participants occurred in 2006.
Cultural Events Draw Large Crowds
Other cultural events, such as the South Carolina State Fair, historically attract about 400,000 visitors, while the Flowertown Festival in Summerville and the Coastal Carolina Fair each see attendance figures around 200,000. The annual Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston also draws about 50,000 attendees each spring. The Charleston Wine + Food Festival is another major event, bringing together more than 35,000 participants over five days.
Severe Weather Alerts Impacting the Area
Meanwhile, South Carolina residents are advised to stay vigilant as a storm system moving northward is causing severe weather alerts across the Eastern Seaboard. Currently, over 36 million people are at risk due to severe thunderstorms, potential tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. Flash flooding risks are particularly concerning in areas still recovering from recent storms, prompting weather warnings across locations.
With heavy rain and thunderstorms forecasted, flood watches extend from South Florida to central Alabama and across the Carolinas, leading to potential significant damage. Miami International Airport is reporting over 40 flight cancellations as delays mount due to adverse weather conditions.
Weather Summary
- High: 82°F, Low: 75°F
- Chance of rain: 70%
- Rainfall expected: near 0.25 inches
- Winds: 5 to 10 mph
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected weather in Columbia, SC today?
Columbia is forecasted to experience a high of 82°F with a 70% chance of rain, expecting up to a quarter of an inch of precipitation.
Which sports teams in South Carolina have record attendance?
The Gamecocks women’s basketball team holds the NCAA record for total season attendance, while USC’s football team has sold out all home games for two consecutive seasons.
What are some major events in South Carolina that draw large crowds?
Events like the RBC Heritage Classic, the Cooper River Bridge Run, and the South Carolina State Fair attract thousands of participants and spectators annually.
What weather warnings are currently in effect?
Multiple areas in the Eastern Seaboard are under severe weather warnings due to thunderstorms, potential tornadoes, and flood risks.
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Additional Resources
- WXII 12: Rain Weather Thursday Severe Risk
- WYFF 4: South Carolina North Carolina Rain Chances
- Weather.com: Hopkins SC 10 Day Forecast
- Augusta Chronicle: More Rain on the Horizon in Augusta
- USA Today: Storm System Florida Carolinas Heavy Rain
- Wikipedia: Weather in the United States
- Google Search: Severe Weather Alerts
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impacts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- Google News: Columbia South Carolina Rain
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
