Climate change in Columbia, South Carolina

Climate change is affecting locations like Columbia in a variety of ways. In fall, these impacts include heavier rainfall, changes to fall foliage, and more unusually warm days.

Explore these pages to learn how people in Columbia are at risk in a warming world.

Since 1970, average annual temperatures in Columbia have gotten 3.0°F warmer, reflecting an overall warming trend.

Warming puts people and ecosystems at risk from more frequent and intense extreme weather.
Overall, the contiguous U.S. is about 2.8°F warmer today than in 1970, based on average temperatures.
Data source: NOAA ACIS

Since 1970, Columbia's annual precipitation has decreased by 7 inches.

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle and bringing heavier precipitation extremes across the U.S.
For every 1°F of warming, the air can hold 4% more moisture, increasing the chances of heavier downpours that contribute to flash flooding hazards.
Data source: NOAA ACIS

As of October 29, 2026, Columbia has experienced 67 days this year with temperatures made twice as likely by climate change.

This is according to the Climate Shift Index (CSI), which quantifies the influence of human-caused climate change on daily average temperatures. Temperatures on these days had a CSI level 2 or higher, which indicates local temperatures were at least two times more likely due to climate change.
The CSI ranges from -5 to +5. Positive levels indicate temperatures made more likely due to climate change (while negative scores indicate conditions made less likely).
Data source: Climate Shift Index

Columbia's climate threats in include:

Since 1970, average fall temperatures in Columbia have gotten 2.1°F warmer, reflecting an overall warming trend.

Fall warming means that risky heat, fire weather, and allergies linger later into the year.
Data source: NOAA ACIS

Between 1980 and 2025, South Carolina experienced 25 billion-dollar hurricanes.

As the planet warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, resulting in devastating losses.
Tropical cyclones (which include hurricanes and tropical storms) are the most costly extreme weather events in the U.S.
This data shows the total number of hurricanes with at least one billion dollars in damages that occurred during 1980-2025.
Data source: U.S. Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters

Columbia has experienced 10 more extremely hot days (with temperatures at or above 96°F) since 1970.

More frequent and intense extreme heat — the deadliest type of weather in the U.S. — is a direct result of a warming planet.
Extremely hot days are defined as days with maximum temperatures hotter than 95% of local temperatures from 1991-2020.
Data source: NOAA ACIS

Explore some ways climate change is affecting Columbia in fall

Heavier rainfall

Hourly rainfall intensity — a key factor in flash floods — has increased in 129 cities across the U.S. since 1970.

Key concepts:

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, bringing heavier rainfall extremes and related flood risks across the U.S.
Some 129 U.S. cities (90% of 144 analyzed) have experienced an increase in hourly rainfall intensity since 1970.
People and ecosystems in both wet and dry locations are facing the risks that come with heavier rainfall in our warming climate.

Learn more

Impacts to fall color

Conditions that trigger fall color are shifting with climate change.

Key concepts:

Foliage depends on temperature, day length, and rainfall — as well as other conditions including extreme weather events.
Cool fall nights can boost color, but they have warmed 2.7°F (1970–2023) in 212 U.S. locations.
Warmer falls can delay or shorten peak foliage.

Learn more

More warm fall days

Fall (September-November) has warmed nationwide since 1970.

Key concepts:

Fall (September - November) has warmed nationwide since 1970.
Warming is nationwide, strongest in the Southwest.
Hotter falls extend risks from heat, wildfire, allergies, and more.

Learn more

More intense hurricanes

Warmer oceans from climate change fuel stronger hurricanes.

Key concepts:

Warmer oceans from climate change fuel stronger Atlantic hurricanes with heavier rain and higher storm surge.
Rising seas amplify storm surge, increasing risks for coastal residents.
Warmer air holds more moisture, driving heavier downpours and flooding.

Learn more

Impacts to food prices

Extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains.

Key concepts:

Food and climate change are closely linked. Food systems account for about one-quarter of all heat-trapping pollution.
Meanwhile, extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains — all of which can drive food prices higher.
The availability, quality, and affordability of food reflect a complex set of climatic and socioeconomic factors. Emerging research is providing insight into the role of climate change.

Learn more

More graphics about Columbia and climate change

Browse climate-related graphics for all seasons localized for Columbia, available for download and use consistent with our Terms of use.

Filter by keywords

Show per page:

Discover more nearby

See all supported locations

Climate change in Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia's climate threats in fall include:

Explore some ways climate change is affecting Columbia in fall

Discover more nearby

Other Climate Central Resources

Columbia's climate threats in include: