News Summary
Clinton, SC welcomes 2026 with clear skies and mild temperatures hovering around 40°F. Residents can enjoy a sunny day despite a chilly morning, perfect for outdoor activities and the upcoming Quadrantids meteor shower. With government offices closed for New Year’s Day, locals can relax and appreciate the improved weather conditions following recent rains while anticipating a storm system this weekend.
Clear and Crisp New Year’s Day in Clinton, SC
Welcome to 2026, Clinton! As we kick off the new year, residents are greeted with clear skies and a refreshing temperature of 40°F (4°C). What a wonderful way to start the first day of the year! The early morning hours were quite chilly but the sunshine promises to warm things up throughout the day.
Morning Chill with Clear skies
As of 6:05 AM, those wandering outside might have noticed the temperatures dropping just a notch below the freezing mark at times. The temperature dipped to as low as 33°F (0°C) around 6 AM, making it the perfect excuse to cozy up with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The good news is, the clouds have packed up for the day so the sunshine will be a bright companion.
Hourly Forecast
Taking a look at the hourly forecast, you can expect the temperatures to gradually climb as the daylight progresses. Here’s what to expect:
- 8:00 AM: Sunny, 33°F (1°C)
- 9:00 AM: Sunny, 37°F (3°C)
- 10:00 AM: Sunny, 41°F (5°C)
- 11:00 AM: Sunny, 47°F (8°C)
- 12:00 PM: Sunny, 50°F (10°C)
- 1:00 PM: Sunny, 53°F (12°C)
So, if you have some exciting plans for the day, whether it’s a stroll in the park or just enjoying the view from your window, you’ll be pleasantly welcomed by the sunshine.
Sunrise and Sunset
Mark your calendars for the sunrise at approximately 7:17 AM and sunset around 5:29 PM. With the longer daylight hours, it’s a win for everyone hoping to enjoy a bit more time outdoors!
Upcoming Weather
As we enjoy this sunny start to the new year, be prepared for some changes ahead! A storm system is expected to sweep through South Carolina this weekend, bringing heavy rain starting Saturday. It may be wise to take advantage of these clear skies while you can!
Drought Conditions Improving
On a brighter note, recent rainfall has worked wonders in improving drought conditions across the state. Pretty impressive, isn’t it? Most of the areas that were abnormally dry, especially in the Upstate, have now bounced back. So we can feel a little better about the state of our gardens and lawns, thanks to Mother Nature!
Soil Temperatures
Speaking of improvement, it’s worth noting that soil temperatures in Clinton are sitting around 35°F (1.7°C) at a depth of four inches. So, spring gardening enthusiasts, take note; it’s still a bit early to get your hands dirty just yet!
Stargazing Alert!
For all you stargazers, early January is famous for the Quadrantids meteor shower! With the clear skies expected, watching this celestial event from Clinton could be a spectacular experience. So gather your loved ones, bundle up, and get ready to marvel at the shooting stars!
Local News and Events
As a reminder to everyone, government offices in Anderson County, including the Animal Shelter and Recycling Center, are closed today in observance of New Year’s Day. So if you’re planning to visit, you’ll need to hold off until tomorrow.
Reflecting on History
As we embrace 2026, let’s not forget the historical weather events that have shaped our experience. The Gulf Coast blizzard back in January 2025 was a striking reminder of nature’s unpredictability and was the first recorded blizzard for the region since 1895!
City Governance
Lastly, remember that Clinton is guided by a council-manager form of government, with Mayor Comer H. “Randy” Randall leading the charge. The city is in good hands, working hard to make the community a better place for all.
So here’s to a fantastic start to 2026 in Clinton, South Carolina! Enjoy the sunshine, stay warm, and make the most out of today’s beautiful weather!
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
