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Winter weather forecast for Columbia, SC
Winter weather forecast colatoday
Does anyone remember the snow day on January 21, 2022? | Photo by COLAtoday team
Did you know? 2024 was the hottest year on record so far — and the first year to have an average global temperature of more than 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit above preindustrial levels. See what the rest of the year (and the beginning of 2025) has in store.

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 the rest of December, January, and February. 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 Saturday, Dec. 21.

Winter Weather Outlook

It looks like the next three month’s temperatures will be “likely above” normal. | Photo from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center.

🌡️ Temperature

Think warm. This winter, Cola has a 50-60% chance of temperatures being likely above normal — and for Cola that means 34 to 36 degrees for the lows, and 55 to 59.5 degrees for the highs.

🌨️ Precipitation

Expect slightly less precipitation. Columbia has a 40-50% chance of “leaning below” amounts of rainfall this winter. Between December and February, the Soda City sees ~4 inches of rainfall.

☀️ Drought

Drought development teeters on “no drought” and “drought development likely” this season.

December

Winter begins next week, and this month’s weather has been a bit all over the place, offering a wide range of temperatures. You’ll likely see average high temperatures in the high-60°s while low temperatures rest somewhere in the high 30°s.

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 36.°

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 low to mid-60°s. Mid-60°s make for a perfect stroll along one of our riverwalks while wearing a light jacket.

March

We hope you took our advice and didn’t put your sweaters away. March will be a chilly month for us too, with temperatures between 42° and 60°.

The most wonderful time of year to get out and explore the city is…
A. Spring
B. Summer
C. Fall
D. Winter
ANSWER HERE
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Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Dec. 19
Thursday, Dec. 22
Friday, Dec. 23
  • Christmas EVE EVE Shellabration | Friday, Dec. 23 | 12-11 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Free | Shellabrate the season with a little buttah and a whole lotta lobster + live music during this special Christmas EVE EVE Cookout featuring lobster rolls (it’s the holidays after all...).
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor 👀
SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area.
SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset
Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not balancing finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Avoid these 7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

Pro tip: For simplicity, try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*
GET STARTED, SMARTIE

Weather
  • 50º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain
Number
  • $50 million. That’s how much Borealis, a Canadian food technology company, is investing to expand operations. The expansion will enable Palmetto Gourmet Foods — a noodle-making plant that distributes to 12,000 grocery stores — to increase its workforce to 650 employees and export products to Europe in 2023. 🍜 (Columbia Business Report)
Biz
Soda Citizens
  • Bayly and Blake Hunter — twin brothers and filmmakers from Irmo — are bringing their skills to the big stage. The Steven Speilberg-obsessed brothers will debut an original thriller film showcasing a camping trip on Dec. 22 at The Nickelodeon Theatre. The event will be free. 🎥 (The Post and Courier)
Closed
  • Expect closures as the holidays approach. The City of West Columbia City Hall will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 26-27 and sanitation schedules may differ. Check schedules here or report service requests here.
Shop
  • If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for someone on your list, look no further. Let us introduce you to gift cards from our COLAtoday shop, Six & Main. Purchase a gift card today. 🎁
  • Score a last-minute holiday party invite? Don’t show up empty handed — say thank you to the host by gifting them with a speciality Carolina Gift Box. We’ve got our eyes on that Breakfast Box. 🥓 *
Travel
  • If you’re flying this holiday season, don’t forget to pack a little patience into your carry-on. Long lines, flight delays, and inclement weather can add to the stress of flying — but remember, a little kindness can go a long way. Check out Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)’s holiday travel tips to keep the travel stress low this season. 🎄*
Drink
  • Looking for fun cocktail to make for that holiday party? Try a magical indulgence like “I’ll have a Columbia” — one of the Naughty & Nice Cocktail recipes from PROOF Alcohol Ice Cream. 🍨 *
Seasonal
  • Give the gift of a quality shave month after month with a Harry’s trial set and blade subscription. Choose your handle color, refill frequency, and let the good shave days roll in for as little as $5 on sign-up (yes, you heard that right). 🪒*

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sam.

Editor’s pick: I absolutely love the new canopy of lights on Main Street. After the unveiling of the new installation on Friday, I enjoyed a festive cocktail at The Venue’s holiday pop-up bar. Make sure to go to the holiday pop-up bar before the end of December to sip on one yourself.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? See how Main Street District’s canopy of lights came to be, here.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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