Charleston Area Braces for Frigid Wind Chills Sunday

Wind chills forecast to plummet into the teens and low 20s across coastal South Carolina

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The National Weather Service in Charleston is warning residents of dangerously cold wind chills in the Charleston area early Sunday morning, with forecasts calling for temperatures to feel as low as 18-25 degrees, especially inland along the I-26 corridor. The cold conditions are being driven by lingering northwest winds combined with overnight lows in the 30s, and the weather service is advising people to dress warmly, limit time outdoors, and take precautions with space heaters.

Why it matters

Extreme cold weather can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and those without adequate shelter or warm clothing. The wind chills could make it dangerous for commuters, students, and workers heading out before sunrise, and could also impact pets left outdoors.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, the coldest wind chills are expected in areas inland from the immediate coast, with readings near 18-22 degrees around North Charleston and Summerville along I-26, 19-21 degrees around Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms along I-526 and US 17, and the low 20s near Beaufort and Walterboro along US 21 and US 17. Portions of inland southeast Georgia may also see wind chills near 20 degrees.

  • The cold conditions are forecast to occur early Sunday morning, particularly before sunrise.

The players

National Weather Service in Charleston

The local office of the National Weather Service that issued the weather alert and forecast for the Charleston area.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service advises residents to dress warmly, limit time outdoors, and take precautions with space heaters to stay safe during the cold conditions on Sunday morning.

The takeaway

This weather alert highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden drops in temperature, especially for vulnerable populations and those who may be outdoors early in the morning. It serves as a reminder to heed weather warnings and take appropriate safety measures during extreme cold snaps.