COLUMBIA, S.C. — As temperatures warm back up in the Midlands for the rest of this week, the dry weather will continue. Rain chances return by the weekend and could last into the start of next week.
Tonight’s lows will be in the low to mid 50s with skies staying clear. Temperatures warm up tomorrow into the upper 80s with plenty of sunshine.
Wildfire smoke
You probably have noticed the smoke and haze across the Midlands as southerly winds transport smoke from wildfires in south Georgia into South Carolina.
An air quality alert is in effect until 8 pm Thursday because the fine particulate concentrations in our area may approach or exceed unhealthy standards for individuals sensitive to particle pollution.
Warm temperatures and sunshine
Temperatures will be above normal again with highs over the next several days expected to be in the mid to upper 80s. Sunny skies will stay through the remainder of the work week before a chance of rain this weekend.
Finally, some rain!
The month of April has been extremely dry for the Midlands. At this time, we are 1.76 inches below normal for rainfall. We have only received 0.22″ since April 1st. We have been in severe and extreme drought conditions for a good while. Fire danger still persists, and the burn ban is still in effect until further notice…