It’s beginning to get cold, Soda Citizens. Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center , we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for January, February, and March.
While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: The first day of winter is on Thursday, Dec. 21.
🌡️ Temperature
Think normal. This winter, Cola has a 40-50% chance of temperatures being near normal — and for Cola that means 34 to 43.5 degrees for the lows, and 55 to 67 degrees for the highs.
🌨️ Precipitation
Expect slightly more precipitation. Columbia has a 50-60% chance of seeing “likely above ” amounts of rainfall this winter. Between January and March, the Soda City sees ~4 inches of rainfall.
☀️ Drought
Drought development is unlikely this season.
January
Typically in Columbia, January’s temperatures stay in the 50°s and can fall into the 40°s-30°s. Though January is usually the coldest month of the year, temperatures rarely fall into the 20°s. This January you’ll likely see more of the same with the high of January falling around 56° and the low around 37.°
Did you know — for the entire month of January, the length of the day increases by 35 minutes , increasing around one minute, and 11 seconds per day?
February
February’s temperatures, both highs and lows, tend to creep up between 5-7° over the course of the month, so expect temperatures around the mid-60°s. Mid-60°s make for a perfect stroll along one of our riverwalks while wearing a light jacket.
March
As winter inches toward spring, March is the first time we’ll really see relief from colder weather, but March also offers a wide range of temperatures. You’ll likely see high temperatures in the mid-70°s while low temperatures rest somewhere in the 40°s.
Pro tip — March is one of the best months to see zoo animals out and about at Riverbanks Zoo. Plan your visit here
.