The forecast cone shows the likely path of a storm’s center—but in South Carolina, dangerous impacts often extend far beyond it.

The most effective preparation in South Carolina happens before hurricane season peaks—when plans can account for both coastal and inland impacts.

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.

In South Carolina, hurricane danger can reach from the coast to the high country, with recent years bringing storm surge, tornadoes, inland flooding, and damaging wind.

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 forecasted "super" El Niño later this year could have important implications for South Carolina, especially beyond hurricane season. While it can work against Atlantic storms, it also tends to favor a stormier/wetter winter across the Southeast.