South Carolina Braces for a Cold, Dry Stretch Next Week as Arctic Air Dominates the Region

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A fresh surge of Arctic air will keep South Carolina cold through mid-December, but unlike earlier in the season, this round of cold arrives without rain or wintry weather. According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook issued December 1, temperatures from December 9–15 will run below normal statewide, while precipitation stays well below average.

Cold Days, Frosty Nights Across the Palmetto State

Forecasters say South Carolina residents can expect:

• Daytime highs: Upper 40s to mid-50s
• Nighttime lows: Upper 20s and 30s
• Skies: Mostly sunny and clear

Cities such as Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach will see brisk afternoons and frosty mornings, with the coldest readings across inland and upstate regions.

Despite the chill, travel conditions look excellent with no rain, no snow, and low humidity throughout the week.

Dry Pattern Continues With Very Little Moisture

NOAA forecasters say the same Arctic pattern gripping the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic will extend into the Southeast — but without the moisture needed to produce precipitation. South Carolina will stay under a quiet, stable weather setup, allowing sunshine to dominate for much of the week.

Clear nights will allow temperatures to drop quickly after sunset, enhancing frost potential, especially in rural and inland areas.

Nationwide Split: Warm West, Cold East

A striking coast-to-coast temperature divide continues:

• West Coast, Southwest, and southern Plains: Above-average warmth and dry conditions
• Southeast (including South Carolina): Below-normal temperatures under Arctic influence

This pattern will likely persist through mid-December, reinforcing South Carolina’s cold but calm weather.

Slight Warm-Up Possible Near the Holidays

Meteorologists say a modest warm-up may arrive closer to late December, though another cold shot could quickly follow. For now, the state settles into a classic early-winter feel — cold mornings, sunny afternoons, and no rain in sight.

For continued South Carolina weather updates and winter outlooks, stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com.