WEATHER

Weather Shifts: What to Expect This Week

South Carolina, Columbia, USATue May 20 2025
Weather patterns are about to take a turn. Expect a mix of storms, cooler temperatures, and a drop in humidity. The weather is set to change starting this afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms are likely as a cold front approaches from the west. This front is expected to pass through by Wednesday morning, bringing a brief chance of rain before cooler, drier conditions take over on Thursday. There is a possibility of severe thunderstorms this afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail are the main concerns. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the Midlands under a marginal risk for severe weather, which is the lowest risk category. As night falls, the main cold front will keep moving in. Most weather models suggest that any storms forming along it will weaken as they move across the southern Appalachians and into central South Carolina. This is due to limited instability overnight. However, a few stray showers or thunderstorms are still possible. Wednesday will see the cold front moving through early in the day. There is a slight chance of lingering showers or thunderstorms by midday. Behind the front, breezy west winds could develop, with gusts up to 25 mph. The air will be drier, but temperatures will stay warm. Thursday will bring an upper-level low strengthening over Ontario. This will send shortwaves southward. One of these disturbances could reach the northern part of the region Thursday afternoon, possibly triggering an isolated shower or thunderstorm. However, this is not certain. Afterward, a notable cooling trend will begin, driven by continued cold air advection. The extended forecast shows a shift toward cooler and drier conditions. An upper trough will linger over the eastern U. S. into the weekend. With this setup, most of the region should remain dry through at least Saturday. The weather is always full of surprises. It is important to stay informed and prepared for any changes that come our way. Keep an eye on the forecast and be ready for whatever weather comes next.

questions

    If the winds gust up to 25 mph, will we need to hold onto our hats or just our umbrellas?
    Are the weather forecasts being altered to hide something more sinister?
    What if the thunderstorms decide to take a detour and visit the beach instead of the Midlands?

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