Weather Update: Temperatures could approach record lows next week. Will there be snow?

Lydia Larsen

January 17, 2025 at 5:59 p.m.·2 min read

A bundled duo huddled together in beach chairs enjoys the warmth of the sun as a stiff breeze comes off the Atlantic Ocean on the frigid morning of Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 on Hilton Head Island. For the first weeks of the new year a polar vortex from the high Arctic will bring freezing temperatures to parts of the deep south.

Beaufort County residents will need to unpack their jackets, hats, mittens, scarves and wool socks this coming week and layer up with all their winter gear.

This is not the normal wardrobe for a southern coastal beach community.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service predict higher chances of winter precipitation and temperatures reaching near record lows. An updated forecast shows the possibility of snow and ice forecast earlier this week continues to increase. This possible winter precipitation will be coupled with cold weather, with Tuesday’s nighttime wind chill as low as 13 degrees.

The NWS will be providing weather advisories throughout the cold snap.

When is the worst weather expected?

Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday evening have the highest chance of snow and ice, with those changes increasing since the Thursday forecast. The exact type of precipitation is still unclear, according to Friday’s briefing.

“Our area of time of concern looks to be right now Tuesday to Wednesday,” Steve Taylor, a meteorologist with NWS said at a briefing Thursday.

Wednesday night into Thursday morning, there is also a chance that any snow or ice will refreeze, causing black ice on roads.

Understanding the difference between “minor” and moderate” impacts

The current forecast shows a 40 to 60 percent chance for winter precipitation causing minor effects, or enough accommodation to cause some travel issues. There is a 20 to 40 percent chance for snow and ice to create moderate impacts, which occur when there’s enough snow and ice to create a risk for life and property.

A recent announcement from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management said that following discussions Friday afternoon, Superintendent Rodgriguez will make any decisions about school closures on Monday.

Sea Island Presbyterian Church will open a cold shelter Sunday through Wednesday. The shelter will open at 5 pm and close at 8 am the following day. Meals and showers will be available.