COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Today remains a First Alert Weather Day for the potential of heavy rain, gusty winds, and possible severe weather across parts of the Midlands.

A tornado watch continues for the counties shaded in yellow below. This means the environment is conducive for tornadic development. We have the ingredients for a tornado to form. Please have a way to receive severe weather alerts like the free WIS First Alert Weather App.

A First Alert Weather Day is in place today through early afternoon as a line of showers and storms continues east across parts of the Midlands. The main line of storms is just out ahead of a cold front which will push through the area later today. This batch of storms features the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms. Damaging wind gusts would be the main concern with strong storms, but a tornado cannot be ruled out. Today’s severe threat will remain across parts of the Midlands through early to mid-afternoon. While a secondary batch of showers and storms may redevelop later this afternoon in this evening, severe weather is not anticipated. Skies will clear out by the afternoon with winds staying breezy behind the front.

While a secondary batch of showers and storms may redevelop later this afternoon into this evening, severe weather is not anticipated. Skies will clear out by the afternoon with winds staying breezy behind the front.

A Lake Wind Advisory will remain in effect through 8 pm with gusts to 40 mph possible.

In the wake of the front, temperatures will cool off on Monday to kick off the new week. Highs are expected to top out in the middle 60s with a mostly sunny sky.

Another quick warm-up to the 70s looks likely by Tuesday and Wednesday of the upcoming week. Another brief drop in temperatures back to the 60s is forecast to arrives by Thursday.

Today (First Alert Weather Day): Scattered showers and storms. Severe weather possible through early afternoon. Highs in the mid and upper 70s.

Tonight: Decreasing clouds. Lows in lower 50s.

St. Patrick’s Day: Turning cooler with highs in the middle 60s.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Highs peak in the upper 70s.

Thursday: A little cooler in the upper 60s. 30% chance of showers.

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