Columbia's Christmas Heatwave: A Look Back and Forward

In 2025, Columbia, South Carolina, experienced a Christmas Day that felt more like summer than winter. The temperature soared to 79 degrees, tying a record that had stood since 1955.

A Trend, Not Just a One-Day Event

This heatwave was not just a one-day event; it was part of a trend. The National Weather Service predicted that the warmth would continue, with temperatures threatening to match another record set in 2021.

Stark Contrast

The contrast between the end of December 2025 and the beginning was stark. Early December had been colder than usual, but the last few days brought a dramatic shift. The National Weather Service joked that Santa Claus might have needed to hurry back to the North Pole to avoid the heat. This remark highlights how unusual the weather was, even for a city known for its heat.

Historical Context

Looking back, 1955 was a different time. Columbia's population was a fraction of what it is today. The University of South Carolina had fewer than 5,000 students, and the city's first local TV station had only been on the air for two years. The governor was George Bell Timmerman Jr., a Democrat with segregationist views. This historical context shows how much has changed in the past 70 years, not just in terms of weather but in society as well.

Sign of Changing Times

The heatwave was not just a record-breaker; it was a sign of changing times. Climate change is making extreme weather events more common. While it's hard to say if this specific heatwave was caused by climate change, it fits a pattern that scientists have been warning about for years. The National Weather Service's forecast for the following days showed that the warmth was not going away anytime soon. A strong front was expected to bring winter-like temperatures back, but the heat was a reminder of how unpredictable weather can be.

Preparing for Extreme Weather

The heatwave also raised questions about how cities can prepare for extreme weather. Columbia is known as the "Famously Hot" city, but even it was not prepared for a Christmas Day that felt like summer. As temperatures continue to rise, cities will need to find ways to keep residents safe and comfortable. This heatwave was a wake-up call, a reminder that the weather is changing and that we need to be ready.