Columbia, SC, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina has experienced unusual warm weather with Saturday temperatures reaching 91 degrees downtown, surprising many residents. The area also received some much-needed rain, totaling 0.64 inches downtown. However, seasonal allergies are on the rise due to high pollen levels. Forecasts show a mix of sunny days and possible thunderstorms by the end of the week, prompting safety alerts for residents in various counties. Overall, this weather pattern highlights the unpredictable nature of fall in the region.
Unseasonably Warm Weather Hits Columbia, SC
Columbia, South Carolina had an interesting weather weekend! On Saturday, temperatures soared to 89 degrees at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and even reached 91 degrees downtown. Quite the jump considering that the average high for mid-September is only 85 degrees. This warm spell has been a delightful surprise for many residents who are still soaking in the sunny days before fall officially kicks in on September 22 with the autumn equinox.
Along with the warmer temperatures, the area experienced some much-needed rain. Rainfall totals for Saturday were 0.24 inches recorded at the airport, while downtown measured in with a modest 0.64 inches. Some regions even got a bit more. It looks like Mother Nature decided to drop by just in time to freshen things up as we transition into the fall months.
Seasonal Allergies on the Rise
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. With the change in weather, ragweed and grass pollen levels are notably high, which means those prone to seasonal allergies should be on high alert. Sneezing and sniffles might become more common as we move through this transitional period.
Interestingly, historical weather data shows that September 22 has had extremes in temperature over the years. The highest recorded temperature on this day was a scorching 98 degrees back in the early 20th century, while on the cooler side, it has dipped as low as 46 degrees. It just goes to show how unpredictable our weather can be!
The Forecast Ahead
Looking ahead, the early morning low temperatures on Sunday were quite pleasant, with readings of 65 in Sumter, 63 in Orangeburg, 63 in Columbia, and a warm 72 in Hilton Head. The forecast for today promises mostly sunny skies, brisk east winds, and highs settling in the upper 80s. Overnight lows are expected to meander in the mid to low 60s, making for a comfortable evening.
As we move into the new week, the weather looks to be dry, but with showers and thunderstorms potentially making their return by Thursday and Friday. Rain might reappear just in time for the weekend, so hang on to those umbrellas!
Let’s Talk Drought
Speaking of rain, around 66% of South Carolina is currently experiencing abnormal dryness, with a moderate drought reported in Lee and Orangeburg counties. In light of this, the rainfall from the weekend was particularly beneficial for the area.
From a temperature viewpoint, the midweek forecast shows a spike into the low 90s, but expect things to cool down as those late-week rain showers move in. Looking even further ahead, forecasts from September 28 to October 4 suggest that conditions may trend toward warmth and wetness for the Southeastern region.
Thunderstorm Alerts
On Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a weather alert for strong thunderstorms affecting areas such as Kershaw, Richland, and Sumter counties. These thunderstorms brought the potential for wind gusts up to 50 mph, with the possibility of pea-sized hail joining the party.
Doppler radar showed active thunderstorms moving from near Columbia International University to near Goodale State Park, advancing at about 15 mph. Residents in Columbia, Cayce, Forest Acres, and surrounding towns were advised to seek shelter indoors as lightning risk skyrocketed. Fun fact: daily in the U.S., around 25 million lightning strikes occur, leading to around 20 fatalities each year. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Safety Tips During Thunderstorms
Lastly, it’s important to give a nod to safety during such weather. Hydroplaning can be a concern, which occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water accumulation in front of tires. If you’re on the road, remember to drive slowly and avoid sudden maneuvers. Always find a safe place to ride out a thunderstorm where you can stay dry and out of harm’s way!
FAQ Section
What temperature did Columbia reach on Saturday?
Columbia peaked at 91 degrees downtown and 89 degrees at the airport on Saturday.
How much rain did Columbia receive?
The airport recorded 0.24 inches of rain, while downtown measured 0.64 inches, with some areas getting more.
When does fall officially start?
Fall officially begins on September 22 with the autumn equinox.
Are there any warnings about thunderstorms?
Yes, strong thunderstorms have been warned about affecting areas like Kershaw, Richland, and Sumter counties, with possible wind gusts up to 50 mph.
What should I do during a thunderstorm?
Seek shelter indoors and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary to prevent unsafe conditions like hydroplaning.
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Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Columbia SC
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Tri-City Herald: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google News: Columbia SC Weather
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.
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