Charleston residents, enjoy Thursday’s sunshine while it lasts—because the calm won’t hold much longer. The National Weather Service is forecasting a shift to wet and stormy conditions starting Friday, with scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain expected through the weekend and possibly into early next week.
Thursday: One Last Dry Day Before the Storms
Thursday brings mostly sunny skies, with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s across the Lowcountry. With only a small chance of rain, it’ll be the best day for outdoor activities before conditions turn unsettled. This break in the weather gives locals a good opportunity to prepare for incoming storms.
Friday: Storms Arrive as Stalled Front Moves In
On Friday, a stalled front is expected to drift into coastal South Carolina, sparking scattered thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening. Rain chances will increase gradually, ranging between 20% and 30%, and temperatures will stay in the low 80s.
Locations likely to see early impacts include:
Charleston
Mount Pleasant
Summerville
Meanwhile, Beaufort and Hilton Head may experience more isolated downpours and thunder, but conditions could change quickly.
Saturday to Monday: Wet Weather Lingers
Once the front settles in, stormy conditions are expected to stick around through the weekend. Scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms will be possible each day, with some storms producing heavy rain and localized flooding, especially in low-lying neighborhoods.
Potential impacts include:
Flooding on roads such as I-26 and U.S. 17
Brief travel delays
Wind gusts that may move unsecured outdoor items
Disruptions to weekend events or beach plans
Here’s the 5-day forecast for Charleston, SC:
| Day | Forecast | Highs (°F) | Lows (°F) | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Mostly sunny | Mid-80s | Mid-60s | 10–20% |
| Friday | Scattered storms developing | Low 80s | Mid-60s | 20–30% |
| Saturday | Showers and thunderstorms likely | Low 80s | Upper 60s | 50–70% |
| Sunday | Stormy at times | Around 80 | Upper 60s | 40–60% |
| Monday | Scattered showers continue | Low 80s | Mid-60s | 40–50% |
Travel and Safety Tips
With the stormy pattern setting in, residents and travelers should take the following precautions:
Avoid driving through flooded roads
Secure outdoor furniture, trash bins, and loose objects
Stay weather-aware using local alerts and forecasts
Have a backup plan for any weekend outdoor events
Officials have not issued watches or warnings yet, but more advisories may be posted if rain totals increase or stronger storms develop.
Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry are set to transition from sunny skies to unsettled weather starting Friday. With thunderstorms and rain likely through at least Monday, it’s a good time to prepare for potential flooding, gusty winds, and delays to your weekend plans. Stay weather-aware, especially in flood-prone areas, and check daily updates as conditions may shift.
