Weather

A storm system is expected to produce rainfall and gusty winds across the Palmetto State on Thursday. Most communities will see rainfall totals from 0.25 to 1 inch.

The first named cyclone in the Atlantic basin typically forms around June 20, with meteorologists tracking the first hurricane by Aug. 11. The first named storm will be Arthur.

With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season less than a month away, South Carolina officials are urging residents to prepare now as part of Hurricane Preparedness Month.

A widespread rainfall event is likely across the Carolinas from late on Friday through Saturday, with some areas that could pick up an inch of much-needed rain.

Air quality values across South Carolina are expected to remain mostly in the good range this week, with only a brief window of concern Tuesday and Wednesday.

The prevailing wind flow out of the south and west is helping to send smoke from wildfires burning in Georgia and Florida into South Carolina.

Drought conditions across South Carolina are rapidly expanding, with more than 97% of the state now officially in a drought. Little to no rainfall is expected during the coming weeks.

A heat dome over the Southeast is pushing temperatures into the 80s and 90s across the Palmetto State.

Forecasters expect tropical cyclone activity could resemble seasons in 2006, 2009, 2015 and 2023. El Nino plays a prominent role in each of the seasons.

La Niña officially emerged in September 2025 and lasted until April. Neutral conditions are present, but a El Niño is expected to emerge later in 2026.