MORNING HEADLINES | Long-range forecasts show South Carolina has anywhere from a 40% to 50% chance of getting above normal temperatures through April. With the early warm-up also comes drier weather, too, with most of the state having between a 33% and 50% chance during the same period, according to forecasts.
The rapidly warming weather comes just a few weeks after many parts of the Palmetto State saw freezing temperatures and some record-breaking snowfall. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the abnormal conditions could be caused by the ongoing La Nina system.
The Charleston area is predicted to experience near-record warmth with a few showers today and over the weekend. Thursday fell just short of the daily record high. Afternoon highs are forecast to reach the upper 70s and low 80s this weekend, which may tie or even break the record 80 degrees set in 2019.
Next week brings a greater chance of rain on the heels of a stronger, stalling cold front, followed by a weather pattern that could bring some cold air back into the region.
Despite the fluctuating temperatures and harsh winter across the U.S., the Earth set another heat record in the month of January, according to European climate service Copernicus. January 2025 globally was 0.09 degrees Celsius warmer than last year, which has some top scientists convinced that global warming is accelerating.
In Friday’s issue of the City Paper:
CP OPINION: Wake up, General Assembly! Pass a hate crimes law now. “If you ever need convincing that South Carolina desperately is in want of a hate crimes law, all you have to do is watch a despicable video taken on Sullivan’s Island last week.”
- CP CARTOON: Ariail: Who wants to be governor?
- CP CARTOON: Stegelin: Mace and ICE
CP NEWS: S.C. House bill would limit minors’ access to social media. A bipartisan bill filed Jan. 14 in the S.C. House would impose strict new requirements on social media companies to protect their underage users, including explicit parental consent before a South Carolina minor can sign up for the service.
CP NEWS: Charleston Time Machine celebrates 300 episodes of award-winning podcast. The Charleston Time Machine, an award-winning podcast hosted by Charleston County Public Library historian Nic Butler, celebrated its 300th episode today.
CP NEWS: Horse healing leads to comfort at Ravenel farm. People suffering from trauma and extreme mental distress have found healing and comfort with the horses at Kim Hallin’s farm in rural Ravenel, Unbridled.
CP ARTS: Find crafting and community at Big Gurl Shop in Charleston. Craft enthusiasts have a brand-new spot to hang out and connect with their inner artist: the recently-opened “craft cafe” Big Gurl Shop on King Street.
CP MUSIC: Charleston artist shines on new solo album. It’s somewhat surprising to hear that Charleston singer, songwriter and guitarist Joel Timmons has never put out a solo album.
CP FOOD: Where to find classic meat+3 meals in Lowcountry, Pee Dee. While “meat and three” is used as a descriptive for meals of a main course plus three sides, the term is also a synonym for the establishments serving them.
- Realistic ways to romance your Valentine in the Lowcountry. Valentine’s Day draws ever closer, and the clock is ticking for folks looking to do something special for loved ones. If you’ve waited until now to book a reservation for dinner, you’ve waited too long.
- Rate hikes force closure of Park Circle’s Brew Cellar. Brew Cellar, a popular bottle shop in Park Circle, announced its closure last week. Brew Cellar’s last day of service will be Feb. 17.
In other recent headlines:
Isle of Palms getting new public dock on city marina. A new city dock is set to open on the Isle of Palms marina, just in time for the warmer months ahead.
Folly Beach leaders lay out top priorities going into the year. Folly Beach City Council members met Thursday to discuss what goals they want to accomplish in 2025 with a new strategic plan.
Roper sees ‘historic’ number of patients as flu intensifies across Lowcountry. Roper Hospital and its health system saw its highest number of patients ever this week as flu and other respiratory viruses wreak havoc on Lowcountry providers and South Carolina.
Charleston hired global company to replace 1,600 parking meters. It’s not going well. Charleston hired Flowbird, a global parking company, to replace the city’s nearly 1,600 parking meters and surface lot kiosks last February, but the roll out hasn’t quite gone to plan.
Charleston County releases FY 2024 financial report findings. Charleston County leaders released a detailed report that breaks down the county’s financial position into a digestible version for residents to see where their tax dollars are going.
S.C. man charged with brother’s murder in North Charleston seeks bond. Charles Gordon Perry IV, charged with his brother David’s death in December, sought bond during a Feb. 6 hearing.
Charleston County Council reallocates funds for part of Main Road Corridor project. Charleston County council members on Thursday discussed updates to a project meant to make county roads less congested and safer.
Charleston County gearing up for hurricane season with new warning technology. Charleston County’s emergency management officials hope to install some new technology that would send emergency warnings directly to residents.
S.C. law getting in way of Scout Motors selling directly here. Volkswagen-backed Scout Motors is making a massive bet in the electric SUV market by allowing some customers to buy the company’s vehicle in minutes on an app. But South Carolina law is getting in the way.
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