If you’ve stepped outside in Charleston today, you might have done a double-take. It feels more like New York than the South! A powerful Arctic air mass has pushed deep into the Southeastern United States, bringing unusually cold temperatures to the Lowcountry.
This morning, Charleston residents woke up to a bitter 30°F (-1°C)—a rare sight for February in a city known for its mild winters. The cold isn’t done yet, and while clear skies will bring sunshine, temperatures will struggle to reach 48°F (9°C) this afternoon. The deep freeze will continue overnight, with temperatures expected to drop to 32°F (0°C).
How Cold Will It Get?
- Friday, February 21: Despite the sunshine, it will stay cold all day, with a high of 48°F (9°C) and a nighttime low of 32°F (0°C).
- Saturday, February 22: A slight warm-up begins, with highs reaching 56°F (13°C). Expect a mix of sunshine and increasing high clouds. The nighttime low will be 38°F (3°C).
- Sunday, February 23: More relief is on the way! A mostly sunny and milder day with a high of 61°F (16°C) and a low of 42°F (6°C).
- Monday, February 24: Charleston will start feeling like itself again, with plenty of sunshine and a high near 66°F (19°C).
- Tuesday, February 25: A beautiful day ahead, with partly sunny skies and highs reaching 72°F (22°C).
- Wednesday, February 26: More warmth on the way! Highs will hit 70°F (21°C) before cooling down to 56°F (13°C) overnight.
- Thursday, February 27: Some clouds roll in, but it stays pleasant, with a high of 69°F (20°C).
What’s Causing This Sudden Freeze?
Charleston’s unusual cold snap is part of a massive Arctic outbreak affecting over 230 million Americans.
This frigid air mass, originating from the Arctic, has swept across the U.S., dropping temperatures to record lows in multiple states. While Charleston isn’t dealing with the life-threatening cold seen in the Midwest, places like Montana, Kansas City, and Minneapolis have seen wind chills as low as -51°F (-46°C)! Even Texas and Florida are experiencing temperatures in the 20s and 30s, proving that no part of the South is untouched by this rare winter event.
For Charleston, the impact is a rare but short-lived cold snap. The city usually sees lows in the 40s during February, making this one of the coldest mornings of the season. Fortunately, warmer temperatures are on the way.
How to Stay Safe in Charleston’s Rare Freeze
- Layer up! Even though the sunshine may look inviting, temperatures will feel much colder, especially in the early morning and at night.
- Protect your plants and pipes. Freezing temperatures are rare in Charleston, so make sure any sensitive plants are covered and let faucets drip overnight to prevent pipes from bursting.
- Check on elderly neighbors and pets. Many people in Charleston aren’t prepared for freezing temperatures. Make sure everyone has heat and warm clothing.
- Watch for slick roads. While no snow or ice is expected, frost could develop in shaded areas overnight, creating slippery spots.
When Will the Warm-Up Begin?
The coldest temperatures will linger through Saturday morning, but by Sunday, Charleston will return to more normal conditions, with highs reaching the 60s. By next week, highs will even climb into the 70s, meaning this Arctic chill will feel like a distant memory.
