South Carolina Breathes Easy as Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda Keep Their Distance

South Carolina residents can breathe a collective sigh of relief as two significant tropical systems, Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda, chart courses that will thankfully spare the Palmetto State any direct impact. While the Atlantic continues its active hurricane season, the latest forecasts bring good news for the SC coast.

Tropical Storm Humberto, which rapidly intensified into a hurricane, is currently churning far out in the Atlantic.

Its trajectory is carrying it well away from the U.S. mainland, following a path generally north and northeast. After skirting past the Bahamas and Florida, Humberto is expected to remain a powerful storm over open waters, posing no immediate threat to South Carolina's shores. The National Hurricane Center's advisories confirm that while its distant presence might stir up some ocean swell, the chances of significant rip currents along the South Carolina coast remain low, estimated at only 20%.

Meanwhile, the Gulf of Mexico saw the rapid formation of Tropical Depression Ten, which quickly escalated into Tropical Storm Imelda.

This system, distinct from Humberto, is on a collision course with the Texas coast. Forecasters anticipate Imelda to make landfall in Texas, bringing heavy rainfall and potential flooding to that region. Much like Humberto, Imelda's path is far from South Carolina, ensuring that the state will not experience any direct weather impacts from this system either.

Beyond the immediate relief from these tropical threats, South Carolina is also looking forward to a much-anticipated change in its late-summer weather pattern.

A refreshing cold front is expected to sweep across the state later in the week, promising a welcome break from the persistent heat and humidity. This front is poised to usher in cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels, offering a taste of autumn after a prolonged stretch of summer-like conditions.

For the Charleston area, the week began with typical late-summer heat and humidity, with daily chances of pop-up thunderstorms.

However, the arrival of the cold front will bring a noticeable shift. While temperatures might remain in the high 80s initially, the humidity drop will make the air feel considerably more comfortable. By the weekend, residents can expect more pleasant conditions, marking a delightful end to a week that saw close calls from distant storms but ultimately delivered good news for the state's weather outlook.