The state is bracing for its first widespread freeze of the season early next week, as a series of cold fronts sweep across the eastern U.S. with the coldest air of the season so far.
During the next week, forecast models show Veterans Day being the coldest, with low temperatures starting in the mid-20s in the Upstate, while lower 30s could reach all the way to the coast on Tuesday.
The chilly air will be about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the previous blast of cold air that occurred earlier in month, but still well above record low temperatures for the date, which were set decades ago.
Before the cold air mass pushes into the region, scattered storms and breezy conditions will dominate the weekend weather.
Weather impacts before the cold air arrives
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to be around for the first half of the weekend.
Not everyone will see rain, but where precipitation occurs, storms could be strong to severe, with gusty winds and hail being the primary concerns.
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the state as being at a marginal risk - or a Level 1 out of 5 - for severe weather on Saturday.
Depending on the atmospheric dynamics, the SPC could upgrade the threat level to slight risk, but the overall forecast is not expected to change.
A widespread severe weather outbreak is not anticipated, with rainfall totals coming in under an inch.
Once the rain pushes through from west to east across the state, winds will become the dominant feature, with non-thunderstorm gusts possible in the 30–40 mph range.
While not considered damaging, the winds will help displace leaves from trees and make the beginning of the upcoming week feel much colder.
How low will temperatures go?
Once a powerful cold front moves through on Sunday, temperatures will drop from their near 80-degree high, resulting in a cool Monday and an even colder Tuesday.
High temperatures on Monday are expected to be stuck in the upper 40s to low 50s statewide, with the bottom falling out Monday evening into Tuesday morning.
Everyone across the Palmetto State will see either a frost or a freeze, with even a hard freeze likely in the Upstate on Veterans Day morning.
Temperatures are expected to range from the mid-20s near and along the Interstate 85 corridor to the upper 20s along I-20 and 30s east of I-95.
Based on climatology, the cold snap is behind its typical date for the Upstate, about normal in the Midlands and ahead of schedule for the Pee Dee and Lowcountry.
National Weather Service offices that cover the state will issue various alerts, including Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories, to alert residents about the cold blast.
The cooldown won’t be permanent, as the mercury is expected to rebound to above-average levels by the end of the workweek.
Cold weather precautions
While not record-breaking, the cold plunge will end what is considered to be growing season.
If there are flowers or sensitive vegetation you want to protect, experts suggest moving the plants indoors or covering them with a sheet or blanket.
Placing a covering over plants helps insulate them and prevents ice from forming on leaves and other sensitive parts of the plant.
In addition to vegetation, pets, pipes and people all may need additional care during the cold wave.
To help protect pipes, it’s advised homeowners wrap exposed tubes with insulation and disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
People and pets may be the two categories that need the most attention.
Prolonged exposure to air below 40 °F can significantly increase the risk of hypothermia and other health-related matters.
Several cold-weather shelters across the state are expected to open to help those who do not have a substantial structure to ride out the conditions.
