Chilly Weather on the Horizon for Columbia
Hey there, Columbia! It looks like we might need to brace ourselves for some winter weather this week. According to the National Weather Service, the chances of experiencing wintry weather in our area are on the rise, and while snow might be in the mix, it isn’t the most pressing concern for residents. Instead, it seems we should be most wary of the potential for freezing rain!
What’s the Forecast?
So, what can we expect? The forecast indicates a possible wintry mix including snow, sleet, and freezing rain that could start making an appearance overnight on Friday. Chris Rohrbach, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, shared that areas north of Interstate 20 are more likely to see this mixed precipitation. “Freezing rain is always a concern here in this part of the country,” Rohrbach explained. “It’s particularly concerning because it tends to have the most impact.”
Potential Impacts
Let’s dive into why freezing rain is such a big deal. The icy conditions it creates can lead to downed power lines, power outages, and slippery roads—certainly not a combination we want. Given what’s in store, it would be wise for residents to prepare for the possibility of power outages. The forecast also suggests a 100% chance of precipitation on Friday night!
Timing of the Weather
As we look at the timing, the rain is expected to kick off before 11 p.m. on Friday. As temperatures dip, we might start seeing that rain transform into snow and other frozen forms, continuing through Saturday morning. While it’s too early to predict how much snow could accumulate, any snow could quickly transition back into rain, likely washing away any signs of a snowy landscape.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
If it does snow, it would mark a notable occasion as it could be the first time since January 2022 that we see snow on the ground here in Columbia. Just a little over a year ago, we experienced a winter storm that left behind 1 to 3 inches of snow. Before that, we hadn’t had measurable snow in our area since 2017, and it had been even longer—since 2014—since we saw more than an inch.
Where Are We Headed?
Once the precipitation wraps up Saturday around 1 p.m., we can expect a dry and cold spell ahead. The temperatures leading up to this storm, as well as through the start of next week, will stay on the chilly side—hovering in the 40s for highs and dipping down to the 20s overnight. Yikes! That’s significantly colder than our seasonal norm, which typically sees highs of 57°F and lows of 35°F during this time of year.
Final Thoughts
It’s not every day we deal with frozen precipitation in this part of the country, and Rohrbach noted, “In this area of the country, it’s very rare to get any frozen precipitation of any type.” So, as Columbia gears up for this possible winter weather event, let’s be prepared and cautious. Keep an eye on your local weather updates, and stay safe on the roads. Whether it’s snow, sleet, or that pesky freezing rain, we’ll get through this chilly episode together!
Remember to catch up on updates as the weather evolves—we all want to stay informed!
Mays Contracting
