Plus, read the updates on VERVE Columbia, the $90 million student apartment complex coming soon.
 
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Today’s Forecast

66º | Heavy thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. | Sunset 5:32 p.m.
 

❄️ Weather trends you need to snow

Winter weather forecast for Columbia, SC
Winter weather forecast colatoday
Does anyone remember the snow day on January 21, 2022? | Photo by COLAtoday team
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.

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 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's weather trends
City Guide presented by AllSouth Federal Credit Union.
Asked

The most wonderful time of year to get out and explore the city is…
A. Spring
B. Summer
C. Fall
D. Winter
Let us snow what you think
 
Events
Monday, Dec. 18
  • Make & Create: Drop-In Gift Wrapping | Monday, Dec. 18-Friday, Dec. 22 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Richland Library Eastover, Eastover | Free | The library will provide the supplies to help you get your holiday gift wrapping done.
Tuesday, Dec. 19
  • Sip and Plant Workshop: DIY Wreath Workshop | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $55 | Beautify your personalized wreath to hang on your front door, or use to decorate around your hearth and home.
  • Gamecocks Men’s Basketball vs. Winthrop Eagles | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $10-$45 | Root for the Gamecocks as they take on the Winthrop Eagles at Colonial Life Arena.
Thursday, Dec. 21
  • Winter Solstice Lantern Parade | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 5 p.m. | Riverfront Park South, 312 Laurel St., Columbia | Free | Rangers and volunteers will provide poles for your lights and lanterns, and the parade will move into the park around dark at 6:30 p.m.
  • SC Philharmonic • Home for the Holidays | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 7 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $5-$40 | The SC Philharmonic is bringing you a merry and warm evening of holiday fare that the whole family will enjoy.
Friday, Dec. 22
Saturday, Dec. 23
  • Winter Wonderland | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6-9 p.m. | 1600 Block of Main Street, 1621 Main St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy snowfall every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December on the 1600 Block of Main Street.
More holiday events here
Click here to have your event featured.
Central Carolina Community Foundation
 
News Notes
Development
  • The Columbia Planning Commission greenlit VERVE Columbia, the $90 million, student apartment complex near USC. Situated at Blossom and Huger streets, the plans now include one fewer floor + 260 fewer beds. (The Post and Courier)
Open
  • Papa Tony’s Pizza, located at 300 Long Pointe Ln., in northeast Cola celebrated its grand opening last Friday, featuring specialty and build-your-own pizzas, salads, and hot subs. The restaurant operates from 3-9 p.m. Tue-Thurs, 3-10 p.m. on Fridays, and 12-10 p.m. on Saturdays. (Cola Daily)
Real Estate
  • Because Columbia is consolidating its police headquarters, municipal court, and emergency services, several downtown properties will be vacant for development. The city plans to sell roughly 13 properties as it continues to consolidate. (The Post and Courier)
Biz
  • Envision Automotive Energy Supply Co. is planning a $1.62 billion electric vehicle battery facility in Florence County, creating 1,620 jobs. The facility aims to enhance battery performance, adding 20% more energy density, reducing charge time, and increasing efficiency. (The State)
Drink
  • Kao Thai + Sakhar Jams are collaborating to bring Soda Citizens unique, holiday cocktails. Head to Kao Thai and order the Nhang Fa La La with La Reposado tequila, Jingle Bells of Wat Rakhang featuring Suntory Toki whiskey, or Snow on Sairee with Three Olives Vanilla vodka.
Seasonal
LTC Hospitality
 
Outdoors

🎶 Everybody do their share...

The Congaree Riverkeepers 2023 Cleanup Summary
Saluda River.jpg
The Congaree Riverkeeper hosts several clean-up events throughout the year. | Photo by COLAtoday
The Congaree Riverkeeper released its 2023 Cleanup Summary and we’re sharing the top findings, litter-ally — ok, I’ll stop.

By the numbers

  • 14 successful cleanups
  • 225 volunteers collectively removed over 10,000 pounds of debris from rivers + streams within the watershed
  • 17,433 pieces of trash were documents on the Litter Journal app.

Key findings

  • Plastics dominated — over 50% of all items gathered were plastic.
  • Glass bottles and fragments comprised 20% of the collected items, with a significant portion hailing from a dedicated cleanup effort along the Congaree River.
  • Noteworthy large items retrieved included 26 tires, four shopping carts, and three TVs from local waterways.

Get involved

Sign up for the Congaree Riverkeeper’s volunteer email list to stay informed about upcoming cleanups.
The Buy

The Buy 12.18.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A great game you can break out with the family this holiday season. Learn the rules to “Ransom Notes” in under a minute and get ready for belly laughs.
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The Wrap
 
Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam
From the editor
Take a look at these AI-designed gingerbread houses inspired by all 50 states + 25 major cities. Spoiler alert — the SC house features candy palmetto trees and fondant crescent moons.
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