Is More Snow Coming to South Carolina This Winter? Here’s What Forecasters Predict

South Carolina has already experienced two rare snow events in a short span, with accumulations ranging from less than an inch in the Upstate to as much as five inches along the Grand Strand. These snowstorms disrupted schools, government operations, and transportation in parts of the state. As many residents continue to dig out from the snow, questions are rising: Could more snow be on the way before the winter season ends?

The winter season technically runs through March 20, leaving room for more snow, but the chances of additional snowfall appear slim. Here’s what weather experts and long-range forecasts suggest about the likelihood of further snow in South Carolina this winter.

Snowfall Patterns and Historical Context

Steve Lavoie, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, explained that South Carolina’s typical window for snow is January, with February often bringing warmer temperatures.

“Typically, our coldest time of the year is January, and it warms up in February,” Lavoie said. “The probability [of snow] goes down in February.”

Indeed, South Carolina’s recent snowfalls seem to align with historical patterns. According to weather records dating back to 1949, the last 10 days of January are the most common period for snowfall in Columbia. January is often the peak of the winter season, with temperatures most conducive to snow. The last two years, however, were considered a drought for snow, as no significant snowfalls occurred. The last substantial snowfall in the state was in January 2022, with areas across the Upstate and Midlands seeing snow.

While February snowfalls are less frequent, they are not entirely out of the question. The most notable February snowstorm occurred in 1973, when Columbia recorded 3.7 inches of snow on February 9 and a whopping 12 inches on February 10. This remains the largest snowfall in Columbia’s recorded history. More recently, the region saw 2.1 inches of snow on February 12, 2014, marking one of the last February snowfalls in the area.

Weather Forecasts: NWS and Farmer’s Almanac

The NWS Climate Prediction Center provides an outlook for South Carolina for the upcoming months. According to their forecast, the state is likely to experience above-average temperatures during February and March, with a 40% to 50% chance of warmer-than-usual conditions. As temperatures rise, the probability of snow decreases. Additionally, the forecast suggests that precipitation levels in South Carolina will be below normal during this period, especially in coastal regions, which could result in drier weather than usual.

While the NWS anticipates drier conditions overall, they still predict a chance of below-average precipitation in some areas. This is particularly true for the coast, where a higher chance of dry conditions exists. The outlook also suggests that while South Carolina will experience cooler air during the first week of February, the rest of the month will likely bring rain rather than snow.

Similarly, the Farmer’s Almanac, a well-known source for long-term weather predictions, does not foresee any snow for South Carolina in February. The almanac forecasts another cold blast early in the month, followed by rain showers in the middle of February. As the month progresses, the almanac predicts more stormy weather leading into President’s Day weekend, but no snow is expected in these systems.

The Farmer’s Almanac uses a secret formula that incorporates factors such as sunspot activity, tidal action, and the position of the planets to make long-range weather predictions. Though its forecasts are often popular and considered to be accurate about 80-85% of the time, it’s important to note that weather can be unpredictable, especially in a state like South Carolina where snowfall is a rare occurrence.

Looking Ahead: A Slim Chance for More Snow

For those hoping for a third snowfall this winter, the chances are looking slim. Historical trends, current forecasts, and long-range predictions all point toward warmer-than-usual temperatures and drier conditions for the next couple of months. This suggests that South Carolina’s snow season may already be over.

However, it’s worth remembering that weather patterns can be unpredictable. While the likelihood of snow is low, rare February snowfalls have occurred in the past, and the state’s unpredictable nature could still surprise us with another storm. Additionally, South Carolina is known for its quick changes in weather, and a late-season cold front could potentially bring snow to the region, though this is highly unlikely based on current trends.

As South Carolinians reflect on the unusual snowfalls of January 2025, the state’s winter weather serves as a reminder of the surprises nature can bring. Whether or not more snow is in store, the recent storms have already left a lasting impact. From schools and businesses closing to the unusual beauty of a snow-covered landscape, the January snowfalls will likely be remembered as a significant highlight of the 2025 winter season.

Looking ahead, South Carolinians can expect colder weather in early February, followed by a period of rain and stormy conditions. While the snow may be gone for now, the state’s unpredictable winter weather will likely continue to keep residents on their toes until spring arrives.

Conclusion

South Carolina’s winter weather has already been eventful, with rare snowfalls disrupting daily life and prompting questions about what’s next. While the chance for additional snow this winter is low, weather patterns can change quickly, and South Carolina has seen rare February snowfalls in the past. As residents look forward to the remainder of the season, the state’s weather forecast suggests that drier, warmer conditions are more likely, but anything is possible in the unpredictable world of South Carolina weather.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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