The wide, low-pressure system is finally moving away from the Carolinas. Although a few scattered thunderstorms will still be possible during the evening hours across parts of the Pee Dee and southern Midlands, the weather is on a drying trend. The forecast also calls for hot temperatures to close off the work week throughout the weekend.
Some scattered severe storms are possible across the Pee Dee through the early evening. Damaging winds are the main hazard.
— South Carolina Public Radio (@SCPublicRadio) May 14, 2025
The weather becomes drier and warmer in South Carolina. pic.twitter.com/heLOR7hqxn
Plenty of rain moved through the Southeast, including South Carolina. It was a very slow-moving low-pressure system, the same system that continues to bring rounds of rain with a chance for some isolated storms across the PD on Wednesday afternoon.
Overall, this low-pressure system brought the highest rain totals across the Lowcountry through the Midlands. During the last three days between Sunday and Wednesday afternoon, rain totals ranged between 6 and 8 inches across the Allendale area through Columbia. Across the Upstate, rainfall totals ranged between two and 4 inches, with some spots across the southern Upstate getting close to 5 inches.
Some river levels are at a minor flood stage. The Saluda at Chapells is at a minor flood stage, and it’s forecast to continue to drop its levels and be back to below 14 feet by Thursday morning. The Congaree River at Carolina Eastman seems to be the highest in the state. Flood warnings continue to be in effect as the river has reached 119.5 feet. This is a moderate flood level. It will likely continue increasing close to 120 feet But by Friday afternoon into the weekend, the river should be going back to normal levels below 115 feet.
The new update from the US Drought Monitor will be released on Thursday, May 15th, with the data cutting off Tuesday, May 13th, at 7 a.m. We forecast some improvement in the drought, but since we received some rain on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, this drought monitor release will not reflect this entire rain event for everyone.
Hot temperatures are coming up.
We will have a taste of summer this weekend across the Palmetto State. A high-pressure system will enter the Gulf and be close enough to our area to bring sinking air. This will be a high-pressure system in the upper levels of the atmosphere. But in the lower levels of the atmosphere, there’s a high-pressure system situated over the western Atlantic. This will keep the winds mainly coming from the south southwest, which will be able to provide plenty of warmth just in time to finish off the work week. Highs on Friday will breach around the mid-90s statewide, and the humidity will make the temperatures feel hotter.
Saturday and Sunday temperatures will remain in the low 90s, continuing early next week. Low temperatures will stay warm. The hottest night will be Friday into Saturday morning, with lows struggling to drop below 72°F statewide. Similar temperatures will remain in place, ranging between the mid-60s and the lower 70s through the beginning of next week. Remember to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water if you're doing any outdoor activities. Eat light meals and dress in clothing of light color and texture.