Frost/Freeze Program Resumes March 6th.

Heavy Rainfall Threat Continues in the Southwest on Monday; Record Warmth in the Plains and Midwest

Remnant moisture from Tropical Storm Rachel will persist over portions of the Great Basin and Southwest on Monday, bringing a potential heavy to excessive rainfall risk. Well above average and potentially record breaking temperatures will develop across the Plains and Midwest early this week, spreading into the Lower Mississippi Valley and Southeast midweek. Read More >

Public Information Statement National Weather Service Columbia SC 1130 AM EST Wed Mar 6 2024 ...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE COLUMBIA FROST/FREEZE PROGRAM TO RESUME ON MARCH 6th... The National Weather Service in Columbia, SC will resume the frost and freeze program for the Midlands of South Carolina and the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia on Wednesday March 6th. The decision was made after coordinating with the surrounding National Weather Service Offices along with the state and local agricultural community. We will begin the issuance as needed of frost advisories, freeze watches and freeze warnings according to the following criteria: ...Frost Advisory... When there is an 80 percent or greater probability that scattered or widespread frost will occur, usually within 12 to 24 hours. Patchy frost does not necessitate the issuance of a frost advisory, except late in the spring when vegetation is typically more sensitive. ...Freeze Watch... When there is a 50 percent or greater probability that temperatures will be 32 degrees or lower, usually within 12 to 48 hours. ...Freeze Warning... When there is an 80 percent or greater probability that temperatures will be 32 degrees or lower, usually within 12 to 24 hours. Here is a list of the average date of the last spring freeze for some locations across the Midlands and Central Savannah River Area: Augusta (Daniel Fld)...2/27 Thomson................3/14 Orangeburg.............3/15 Columbia...............3/16 Bamberg................3/18 Midville...............3/18 Blackville.............3/20 Waynesboro.............3/21 Little Mountain........3/22 Holly Hill.............3/22 Sandhill (Richland)....3/22 Sumter.................3/24 Manning................3/25 Cheraw.................3/26 Johnston...............3/26 Wagener................3/26 Appling................3/27 Pageland...............3/27 Augusta (Bush Fld).....3/28 McCormick..............3/28 Pelion.................3/28 Bishopville............3/29 Newberry...............3/31 Saluda.................3/31 Winnsboro..............3/31 Chesterfield...........4/01 Cedar Creek............4/10 $$ LCV