Plus, backyard birding tips.
 
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Today’s Forecast

67º | 90% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:45 a.m. | Sunset 6:25 p.m.
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☀️ Weather you like it or not...

Columbia’s spring weather outlook for 2024
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The Historic Horseshoe at USC blooms each spring. | Photo by COLAtoday
We know the question on your mind, Soda Citizens — when’s it going to get warm again? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect — keep reading for the spring weather outlook in Columbia for March, April, and May.

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 spring will bring.

Reminder: The first day of spring is Tuesday, March 19 — thanks, Leap Year.

Temperature

Think warmer. Columbia has a 33-40% chance of temps being hotter than usual. Usually, the city averages highs of 68° in March, 76° in April, and 83° in May.

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It may be slightly warmer in Columbia this spring. | Screenshot via Climate Prediction Center

Precipitation

Expect slightly more precipitation. Cola has a 40-50% chance of seeing higher than average rainfall amounts this spring.

March

Typically in Columbia, March’s temperatures fluctuate between an average low of 46° and an average high of 64° — it’s still a little chilly, so don’t put your jackets away just yet. The high is usually ~8° warmer than in February.

On the sunny side: kick off spring with the annual Art Blossoms event at the Columbia Museum of Art on Thursday, March 21 through Sunday, March 24.

April

You’ll most likely need to keep a light jacket close by in April — the average high and low temps are between 76° + 53.° Expect gentle breezes, mild-cool temps, and above-average precipitation. This month, we’ll get about 13 hours of daylight a day (one more hour than in March).

May

Historically, average highs in May are 83°, with an average low of 62°. Enjoy these moderate-high temperatures while they last, because Cola’s temps typically rise ~6° in June. Pro tip: The Sumter Iris Festival returns Thursday, May 23 through Sunday, May 26 with a bloom of plants and flowers along with concerts, arts, and food.
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
If you had to pick...
 
Events
Wednesday, March 6
  • 1 Million Cups | Wednesday, March 6 | 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.
  • Ask the Gardener Happy Hour: Focusing on Fertilizers | Wednesday, March 6 | 4-6 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | Free | They’ll help you demystify fertilizers and steer you in the right direction for these nutrient-packed resources.
  • Gamecocks Men’s Basketball vs. Tennessee Volunteers | Wednesday, March 6 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $30-$65 | The Gamecock women’s team just defeated the Volunteers — now root for the men’s team on Senior Night this week.
Thursday, March 7
  • The Runout at The Venue | Thursday, March 7 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | 1626 Main St., Columbia | $5 | Enjoy a night of music on Main Street with local Americana band The Runout.
Friday, March 8
  • Rumours: Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Friday, March 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, 7300 College St., Irmo | $50 | Rumours is the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute band performing the band’s top hits of yesteryear.
Saturday, March 9
  • Cottontown Art Crawl | Saturday, March 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 2200 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | Stroll the downtown neighborhood with art installations in yards and on porches.
  • Bierkeller Bock and Roll Spring Fest | Saturday, March 9 | 12-8 p.m. | Bierkeller Columbia, 600 Canalside St. Ste. 1009, Columbia | Free | Enjoy fresh beer, food, a traditional German fest, along with some good old-fashioned rock and roll.
Calendar events here
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News Notes
Sports
  • Dawn Staley has been named SEC Coach of the Year for the seventh time, leading Gamecocks WBB to a perfect season and a record 47 consecutive SEC wins. Kamilla Cardoso won SEC Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting the Gamecocks’ presence in the conference awards. (Gamecocks Online)
Coming Soon
  • More Vegan Cafe will host its grand opening on Saturday, March 23 at 1 p.m. at 4622 North Main St., in the former Rare Variety Cafe location. Here are 25 more vegan and vegetarian offerings around the Capital City.
Eat
  • Corn Dogs by Mr. Cow, known for its unique Korean corn dogs, will open at the Columbiana Centre Mall this spring. While an exact date is pending, the anticipated opening is in the next few weeks, offering a variety of batter and fillings. (The State)
Active
  • Join the inaugural Riverwalk Rabbit Run 5K on Saturday, March 30, starting at 9 a.m. at Stone River in West Columbia. This scenic route through Cayce-West Columbia ends along the Riverwalk with views of the Congaree. Proceeds support Lexington County schools and local businesses + includes a post-race Easter egg hunt for children.
Biz
  • Break Bread Ventures, formed by Jonathan Crumpler and Rob Bryan, will open Slim Chickens at 2089 N Beltline Blvd. on Monday, March 18. The group aims to bring up to 30 locations across the Carolinas, starting with Columbia’s restaurants, creating over 75 jobs.
Asked
  • In this era of virtual care and telehealth options, many are turning to at-home colon cancer screening tests. But which is better: colonoscopy or an at-home test? Find out what physicians say.*
Eat
  • You’ve got 20 minutes to make and eat your lunch before your next meeting. Enter: This cheddar ranch chicken + bacon melt. It’s warm, it’s savory, it’s hearty — it’s a yes from us.*
Listen
  • Te-Hina Paopao’s return gives Dawn Staley flexibility with next year’s squard. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Fun Fact
 
Outdoors

🐦‍⬛ Birdin’ ain’t easy

Feed Columbia birds
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When you have guests, you feed them. It’s only polite. | Joe Myers via Wikimedia Commons
Our local skies house everything from warblers to woodpeckers. So how can you invite them to your garden?

Feed them, of course. Late winter to early spring is a crucial time for putting out birdfeeders, as natural food sources may be depleted. Let’s fly through some need-to-knows to keep you popular with the local birds.

Feeder types

There are three basic types of feeders: seed, suet, and nectar.
  • Seed feeders are the most versatile. Black-oil sunflower seeds appeal to the greatest number of birds, according to the Audubon Guide to Bird Feeding. They’ve also got homemade recipes that everyone will be chirping about.
  • Suet (or beef fat) is a high-energy treat for bug eaters, and you can make a DIY feeder from an onion bag. Be warned: Warmer weather turns suet cakes rancid, which keeps birds away.
  • Nectar feeders give hummingbirds and orioles a sweet treat. Opt for a low-capacity feeder to make sure you’re cleaning it regularly.
Browse Wingard’s Market or Wild Birds Unlimited to get a feel for the different types. Then, mix and match to make your home the flock of the town.
Flock this way for more
The Buy

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The Wrap
 
David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David
From the editor
Roy’s Grille in Irmo was listed as one of 15 of the best “Roadside Restaurants in the South” by Southern Living. That will come as no surprise to many, as Roy’s Grille owner Chef Chris Williams, was one of SC’s 2022 Chef Ambassadors and recently won second place in the Sandwich category in the 2023 World Food Championships.
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