Charleston’s weather is known for its unpredictable swings, and February is proving to be no exception. As residents enjoy mild temperatures and clear skies early in the week, a major shift is on the horizon, bringing rain, gusty winds, and even a sudden drop into freezing temperatures.
With highs expected to fluctuate between the 40s and 60s, multiple weather patterns will move through the region, delivering everything from warm afternoons to stormy midweek conditions and bitterly cold nights. If you thought February would be predictable, think again
What’s in Store? A Breakdown of This Week’s Forecast
Charleston’s week ahead is full of twists and turns, so residents should be prepared for a little bit of everything.
- Tuesday, February 18: A pleasant, partly cloudy day with temperatures reaching 60°F (16°C). The evening cools to 49°F (9°C) with light breezes.
- Wednesday, February 19: The weather takes a turn with rain and thunderstorms expected by the afternoon. Winds will pick up, with temperatures hovering at 53°F (12°C) during the day and dropping sharply to 35°F (1°C) at night.
- Thursday, February 20: The cold air settles in, bringing chilly winds and partly cloudy skies. Daytime highs will only reach 50°F (10°C), and overnight, Charleston will see its coldest temperatures of the week at 26°F (-4°C).
- Friday, February 21: A sunny but cold day as the high struggles to hit 47°F (8°C), and the night drops back to freezing at 32°F (0°C).
- Saturday, February 22: A slight warm-up begins, with highs reaching 53°F (12°C) under partly cloudy skies.
- Sunday, February 23: A pleasant end to the week, with sunshine and highs at 58°F (14°C), while the evening remains mild at 46°F (8°C).
The most dramatic weather change happens midweek, when a rainy, stormy Wednesday will be followed by freezing cold air on Thursday and Friday.
Why Is Charleston’s Weather So Unpredictable?
Charleston sits in a unique position, where warm air from the Atlantic meets cooler air masses from the north. This clash often leads to sudden shifts in temperature, gusty winds, and even surprise thunderstorms.
This week’s upcoming storm system and cold blast is a result of a cold front moving southward, pushing out the mild air and replacing it with freezing temperatures for the first time in weeks.
For those not used to big temperature swings, this kind of rapid change can feel extreme, especially when daytime temperatures in the 60s plummet into the 20s within 24 hours.
How to Stay Prepared for This Week’s Weather Changes
With warm afternoons turning into cold nights and a major rainstorm in the mix, Charleston residents should take a few precautions to stay comfortable and safe:
- Layer Up! Mornings and nights will be much colder than the afternoons, so dress in layers to stay warm throughout the day.
- Have Rain Gear Ready! Wednesday’s storms could bring heavy rain and gusty winds, so be prepared with an umbrella and waterproof clothing.
- Protect Pipes and Plants! With Thursday night’s temperatures dipping into the 20s, it’s a good idea to cover outdoor plants and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
- Drive Carefully! Wet roads on Wednesday and colder conditions later in the week could make driving tricky, especially in the mornings when icy spots may develop on bridges and overpasses.
- Stay Updated! Weather patterns can change quickly, so check local forecasts daily to stay ahead of any sudden shifts.
What’s Next for Charleston? Will the Warm Weather Return?
After this brief cold snap, Charleston will start warming back up by next weekend. Temperatures in the 60s are expected to return by late February, and early March could bring even warmer conditions as spring approaches.
