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Winter weather forecast in Columbia, South Carolina 2021

snow

Assembly Street in the snow in 1973 | Image via The State Newspaper Photograph Archive via Richland Library

It’s a winter-ful life ❄️
Hey, Soda Citizens — with winter on the way weather you like it or not, we couldn’t resist peeping at some of the major weather trends headed our way. Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect for Dec., Jan., + Feb.

While exact weather conditions like snowfall typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, accurate seasonal outlooks can help communities prepare for what winter will bring. Here’s what’s coming in our city:

🌡️ Temperature

Think warm. This winter, there is a 50-60% chance that Columbia’s temperatures will be higher than normal.

🌨️ Precipitation

Let it snow...or rain. Columbia’s precipitation levels are predicted to be 33-40% below our 2.9 inch average. DYK — Columbia received a record snowfall of 16 inches in Feb. 1973?

By the month: December

Columbia’s average low-temperature in December is 39°F, so we might see more days this year closer to the average high-temperature — 61°F — because of the anticipated temperature rise.

By the month: January

Columbia’s lows in January are 36°F on average, with highs of 58°F. January tends to be Columbia’s coldest month, but with the chance of higher temperatures this season, we might see warmer days. DYK — January is the month with the most snowfall in Columbia with 1.1 inches on average? Two of our snowiest calendar days are Jan. 23 + 24.

By the month: February

Historically, February gets a little warmer in Columbia with an average low-temperature of 39°F + an average high-temperature of 63°F, so expect to be closer to those highs.

Fun fact — The average amount of sunshine on a February day in Columbia is 6.49 hours.

Bonus: here are the NOAA’s winter safety tips. ❄️

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