


Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Columbia, SC
Issued by NWS Columbia, SC
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856 FXUS62 KCAE 030758 AFDCAE Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Columbia SC 358 AM EDT Thu Apr 3 2025 .SYNOPSIS... A major warmup continues today with near record temperatures expected through Sunday. The next storm system impacts our area Sunday into Monday as a cold front moves into the area, followed by much cooler temperatures next week. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... Key Message(s): - Near record warmth today. A front remains just along the northwestern border of the forecast area evident by temperatures in the 70s early this morning in our area with the Upstate mostly in the low 60s. Widespread cloud coverage and southerly winds this morning will prevent temperatures from dropping more than a degree or two for the rest of the morning. Upper level ridging continues to strengthen today in response to a deepening trough in the western US. NAEFS mean continues to indicate that 500mb heights rise to above the climatological maximum. Blended guidance likely not capturing the strength of this upper ridge so went a degree or two above the nbm for highs today with highs in the mid to upper 80s, well above average although likely just short of the daily record (91F at Columbia, 92F at Augusta). Some drier air likely to move in aloft which will limit precipitation chances, although an isolated shower or storm will be possible near the front in the far northwestern portion of the forecast area. Lingering low level moisture tonight will lead to additional stratus developing tonight with mild overnight lows expected once again with lows near record max as well, in the mid 60s. && .SHORT TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/... Key Message(s): - Highly anomalous warmth continues through Saturday, with near daily record temps. The broad mid-level and surface ridging will not move much as a series of shortwaves continue to amplify the trough to our west. As such, broad southerly component warm advective flow will continue and drive 850-500 heights well above the 99th percentile in the NAEFS climatologically. Surface highs temps consequently should again top out near 90 F, right around daily records. EC EFI continues its very strong signal through this period, with persistently high EFI and SoT around 1; overall, this signal further supports consistently near record highs, but not necessarily record breaking. Given the weak isentropic lift, persistent moisture, and surface heating, some isolated showers- storms are possible both days. && .LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... Key Message(s): - A slow moving front moves through Sunday, bringing showers-storms. - Much cooler temps likely starting Monday and lasting throughout next week. The trough-ridge pattern will slowly shift east into Sunday, driving the primary forcing for convection into GA and possibly SC. While there is some questions on the exact timing, the initial warm sector airmass should be generally unstable enough to support a severe-flash flooding threat; the strongest height falls will remain well to the west Sunday, so the instability is driven by low level moisture-heating. However, without much initially mid-upper level support, GEFS only progs a roughly 50% chance of greater than 500 J/kg. Both low-deep layer shear however will be sufficient again to support some severe hazards and as such, SPC has continued their 15% risk into eastern GA. The flash flooding threat is more likely to materialize, given the front orientation, parallel deep shear, and PWAT`s around 1.5"; WPC has the entire area in a marginal flash flood risk. The front will slowly drag through on Monday, with some lingering showers expected but the front should fully push through from a temperature perspective. Temps Monday through Wednesday are expecting to be at to slightly below average, with a flip in what we saw in the NAEFS and EC EFI over the weekend, as the primary trough axis digs across the eastern CONUS. && .AVIATION /06Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... MVFR Ceilings With Period of IFR this Morning. Mostly MVFR ceilings currently in place as low level moisture remains in place with a front to the northwest of the terminals. Guidance has trended away from the potential for IFR ceilings, at least predominantly but have continued to favor at least TEMPO IFR at all terminals. Winds remains elevated out of the SSE which should prevent any fog from developing. Expect improvement through this morning with increased mixing leading to drier air in the low levels. Breezy southerly winds with gusts around 20 knots possible this afternoon. Once again possible for restrictions tonight but highest potential remains after 06z. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK... Another day with the threat of early morning restrictions continues on Friday with continued low level moisture in place. Precipitation remains unlikely through Saturday before the next rain chance moves in Sunday. && .CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SC...None. GA...None. && $$