Hard Freeze Warning Issued for Western and Central South Carolina as Temperatures Drop Into the 20s
SALUDA, S.C. — Residents across Western and Central South Carolina — including Aiken, Saluda, Barnwell, and Edgefield counties — are being warned to prepare for a hard freeze early Tuesday morning, as the coldest air of the season sweeps through the region.
Meteorologists with First Alert Weather say temperatures will fall into the low- to mid-20s by sunrise on November 11, with wind chills making it feel even colder.
“We’re looking at actual lows around 21 to 25 degrees and wind chills between 21 and 23 degrees,” forecasters said. “This will officially end our growing season and bring winter-like conditions to the CSRA.”
Coldest Air of the Season Arrives Late Monday
The freeze will begin late Monday night and continue into early Tuesday morning, affecting both rural and suburban areas. Forecast models show the following expected lows:
- Saluda: 22°F
- Aiken: 22°F
- Barnwell: 25°F
- Edgefield: 23°F
- Augusta area (near Georgia border): 23°F
Residents should prepare for widespread frost and frozen ground across much of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
End of the Growing Season and Safety Concerns
This freeze marks the official end of the growing season for much of Western and Central South Carolina. Agriculture officials say unprotected crops and plants will likely suffer damage.
The First Alert Weather Team is urging residents to take immediate precautions:
- Protect plants by covering them or bringing them indoors
- Provide warm shelter for pets, especially overnight
- Insulate outdoor pipes and faucets to prevent freezing
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may not have adequate heating
“This type of hard freeze can be dangerous for anyone caught unprepared,” meteorologists added. “We especially want people to make sure animals are safe and pipes are wrapped before Monday night.”
Wind Chill Map Confirms Bitter Start to Tuesday
According to the latest wind chill projections, temperatures will feel as low as 21°F in Washington, Saluda, and Thomson, while Augusta, Aiken, and Waynesboro are expected to feel around 23–24°F. Gusty winds overnight will make conditions feel several degrees colder, especially in open rural areas.
Cold Pattern to Linger Midweek
While Tuesday morning will bring the most extreme cold, temperatures are expected to remain below normal through midweek. Highs on Tuesday will only reach the 40s and low 50s, with another frosty morning expected Wednesday before gradual warming returns by Thursday.
Forecasters say the cold snap will serve as an early reminder that winter weather is fast approaching for the Carolinas.
“We’re starting to feel that shift toward winter,” one meteorologist said. “By next week, we’ll be back in the 60s — but for now, it’s time to bundle up.”
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and stay alert for updated advisories at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, where weather alerts and community safety updates are posted daily.
