COLUMBIA, S.C. — A ridge of high pressure will dominate the coastal regions while a weak front shifts westward, resulting in a slight chance of showers across the Midlands. We are expecting pleasant, warm weather from Saturday through Monday, with temperatures gradually rising. Towards midweek, a weak front may trigger isolated showers and thunderstorms from late Tuesday through Thursday, primarily affecting northern and eastern areas, but as of now, the chance of rain next week is very small.
High pressure will maintain its influence along the East Coast while the remnants of a frontal boundary move northward through Georgia. This setup will cause an easterly flow across the forecast area, leading to increased moisture and partly to mostly cloudy skies today and tonight.
Though moisture will rise and interact with the front, atmospheric conditions will not favor significant instability. Thus, there is only a slight chance of showers this afternoon. Rainfall amounts are expected to be minimal, likely just a couple hundredths of an inch in most places.
Cloud cover will persist tonight due to the east-to-southeasterly flow maintaining moisture in the area. Afternoon temperatures will range from the mid-70s to around 80, with overnight lows in the mid to upper 50s.
The weekend will be partly cloudy, with highs in the lower 80s on both days. Monday will be sunny and warmer, with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s.
The upper ridge will move eastward by Tuesday and Wednesday, while an upper disturbance travels slowly, primarily to our north and east. Alongside a weak frontal boundary and a slight uptick in moisture, this setup will bring a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly to northern and eastern areas.
Towards late in the week, a deeper upper trough, along with another front and increased moisture, is expected to increase the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms, mainly occurring just beyond the forecast period.