Charleston is waking up to a clear, cool start Thursday, with temperatures near 53 degrees before sunshine pushes the city to about 73. Rain is not part of the plan, and the dry stretch will continue through the weekend. It is a good day for outdoor plans before northeast winds become the bigger story.
Sunny Skies Hold Through Friday
Thursday stays sunny with a light north wind around 6 mph, while Thursday night turns clear and cooler with a low near 51. Friday will remain sunny, though the northeast breeze will strengthen to 7 to 12 mph and keep the high closer to 70. Inland areas could feel cooler overnight than the Charleston waterfront.
Friday night brings a noticeable increase in the wind, with northeast gusts potentially reaching 23 mph. Saturday and Sunday should still be sunny, with highs near 70 and 72, respectively, but winds could run between 14 and 21 mph. The combination will make the weekend feel brisker than the thermometer suggests, especially near the coast.
Coastal Flooding And Surf Risks Rise
The National Weather Service Charleston office says stronger northeast flow and rising astronomical tides could create a prolonged coastal hazard period beginning late this week. Minor coastal flooding could develop during late-afternoon high tides, while the potential for moderate to major flooding at Charleston increases over the weekend and into early next week.
Beachgoers should also watch for stronger rip currents, high surf with breaking waves of 5 feet or more and minor beach erosion. The morning high tide is expected to be the more significant tide cycle, so coastal plans may need a little flexibility even though the skies stay mostly postcard-perfect.
Dry Weather Continues Into Next Week
Monday and Tuesday look sunny with highs near 72 and 73, followed by a mostly sunny Wednesday near 74. Rain chances remain near zero through Monday and only rise slightly to around 1% or 2% Tuesday and Wednesday.
For Charleston residents, the forecast is less about rain and more about timing: enjoy the calm, sunny Thursday, then prepare for a windy coast and elevated water levels from Friday night through early next week.
