66º | Heavy thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. | Sunset 5:32 p.m.
🍂 Here’s how fall will feel
Rainy days are coming: Columbia’s 2024 fall weather forecast
Leaves on the ground in front of the South Carolina State House. | Photo by COLAtoday
We know the question on your mind, Columbians — when’s it going to get cool? 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 September, October, and November. While exact fall weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what fall will bring.
Reminder: The first day of fall is on Sunday, Sept. 22.
Expect a warmer fall for Columbia. | Image via the noaa.gov
🌡️ Temperature
Think warm. This fall, Cola has a 40-50% chance of temperatures being higher than normal, which is higher than last year’s prediction of 33-40%.
🌨️ Precipitation
Precipitation trends are expected to lean above average through December. Usually, Cola averages 3.94 inches of rain in September, 2.89 inches in October, 2.88 inches in November, and 3.38 in December.
What September has in store
Typically in Columbia, September’s temperatures fluctuate between an average low of 67.5°F and an average high of 84.6°, but according to the map, expect to see more of those warmer days this year. If you aren’t a fan of the heat, we have some good news: The average high drops ~5° in September. Pro tip: September has an average daily maximum UV index of 6-7, so don’t slack on the sunscreen.
Cooling down in October
In October, the average high and low temps are between 73.8°F° + 56.3°F. We’ll be keeping an eye out for the late-season tropical storms that blow in, but you’ll most likely feel a cool breeze while you stroll through Soda City Market or a crisp and cool night at the South Carolina State Fair.
Next up, November
Historically, average highs in November drop ~10° to 62.6°F, with an average low of 46.2°F. Get ready for moderately chilly days with a gentle breeze. Fun fact: Columbia had its earliest snowfall on November 1, 2014.
Tipsy Terrarium Tuesday Workshop | Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Columbia, 702 Cross Hill Rd. #400B, Columbia | $26 | The PlantHouse crew will provide an overview on air plant care and terrarium assembly.
Pass The Aux! | Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 6-8 p.m. | femme x Columbia, 1501 Richland St., Columbia | Free | Pass the Aux! is a monthly listening series curated by SceneSC and Cola Love to support the local music and arts community.
Wednesday, Sept. 13
1 Million Cups | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 9-10 a.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | Join this event for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the thriving peer network of founders in Columbia.
Carolina Hip Hop Showcase: Bangback Pinball | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 7 p.m.-2 a.m. | Bang Back Pinball Lounge, 741 Saluda Ave., Columbia | Free | Enjoy Carolina hip-hop featuring Dapper Savavge while you become a pinball wizard.
Thursday, Sept. 14
Columbia’s Greek Festival | Thursday, Sept. 14-Sunday, Sept. 17 | Times vary | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1900 Main St., Columbia | Free | Come and enjoy the music, atmosphere, food + drink, and learn a little about Greece.
Jazz Party at The Aristocrat | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 7-10 p.m. | The Aristocrat, 1001 Washington St., Columbia | Free | There will be a jam session after the first set and bringing your instrument is encouraged.
Friday, Sept. 15
PARK(ing) Day | Friday, Sept. 15 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Downtown Columbia | Free | PARK(ing) Day is an annual open-source global event where citizens, artists, and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into PARK(ing) spaces — temporary public spaces.
Keep your property pristine with preventive maintenance
Regular preventive maintenance is essential for the well-being of HVAC and plumbing systems. | Photo provided by Cool Care Heating, Air, Plumbing & Refrigeration
There’s no place like home. Prepare for cooler temperatures with fall HVAC maintenance — and don’t leave out your plumbing system and hot water heater (they also need to be checked annually). Enter: Cool Care Heating, Air, Plumbing & Refrigeration‘s preventive plans for HVAC and plumbing.
Choo choo — USC’s mascot, Cocky, unveiled a revamped entrance onto the field during last week’s Furman game. Instead of the traditional black box, Cocky drove a garnet miniature train, the Cockaboose, onto the field and later reappeared atop with pyrotechnics.
Community
FoodShare South Carolina, starting with 36 boxes eight years ago, now delivers 700-950 fresh produce boxes weekly across 21 counties. Started by the USC School of Medicine, it’s expanded despite pandemic challenges, emphasizing fresh food access. (The Post and Courier)
Award
Gamecock QB Spencer Rattler earned the SEC Offensive Player of the Week award after leading the team to a 47-21 victory over Furman. Spencer threw for 345 yards and four TDs. The Gamecocks head to Athens this weekend to take on the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. (Gamecocks Online)
Biz
The Central SC Alliance (CSCA) announced Jason Giulietti as its new President and CEO. Formerly leading the Greater San Marcos Partnership in Texas, Jason will now drive CSCA’s mission to attract jobs and investments to the Central SC Region.
Eat
Virginia-based nomadic Chef Blair Machado joins Chef Kristian Nemi at Black Rooster this evening for a special collaboration dinner as Blair tours the Southeast. The dinner begins at 5 p.m. and will serve until the food runs out.
Traffic
SCDOT will host a public meeting tonight from 5-7 p.m. at Sandhills Elementary School to discuss the SC 6 at S-65 (Meadowfield Road) intersection improvement. Residents can review plans and share feedback.
Concert
🐎 Saddle up for the 59th season
South Carolina Philharmonic kicks off 59th season with The Rose of Sonora
Music Director Morihiko Nakahara is excited to open the season with a full program focused on the American West. | Photo by SC Philarmonic
The South Carolina Philharmonic is set to kick off its 59th season with a performance of “The Rose of Sonora” on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts.
This wild west-themed program spotlights the talents of violinist Holly Mulcahy, performing a concerto composed specifically for her by George S. Clinton. George is an award-winning composer who has scored over 100 films, most notably “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.”
Holly, known for her advocacy in making classical music accessible, shared her enthusiasm for the concerto’s strong female lead, a rarity in Western narratives.
Beyond the music; concertgoers can also enjoy “The Saloon of Sonora,” a western-themed dinner event from 5-7 p.m., featuring live entertainment, including a performance by George S. Clinton himself. Tickets are available now.
I did a little grocery shopping at the new Tom’s Creek Farmers Xchange in The Vista and shared a visual tour on our Instagram. It’s a convenient downtown stop for locally grown foods and I was pleasantly surprised to see so many bread options in the bakery.
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