News Summary
Aiken County is bracing for severe thunderstorms this afternoon, with the National Weather Service predicting strong winds up to 55 mph and heavy rain. A confirmed EF1 tornado has been reported, peaking at 90 mph. While the weather will start sunny, it will shift to thunderstorms later in the day with high temperatures reaching 97°F. The region has recently seen significant rainfall, which may alleviate drought conditions affecting over 87% of South Carolina. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engage in various local community activities scheduled for the week.
Aiken, SC – Severe thunderstorms are predicted to sweep through Aiken County this afternoon, bringing with them a chance for heavy rains and strong winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts as wind gusts are expected to reach up to 55 mph and a confirmed EF1 tornado was noted in Aiken County, where winds peaked at 90 mph. These conditions come off the back of significant rainfall in the region, with estimates indicating between 2 to 10 inches across South Carolina, which may help alleviate the drought affecting over 87% of the state.
The weather outlook for today suggests mostly sunny skies in the morning, but thunderstorms will develop as the day progresses. The temperature will rise to a high of 97°F under hot and humid conditions, with a forecasted low around 75°F. Winds will shift from the north at 5 to 10 mph and there is a 60% chance of rain later today.
In addition to the changing weather, Aiken County has a variety of community activities and events for residents and visitors. The popular “Let’s Go Bingo” event takes place every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Aiken Senior Life Services, located at 1310 E. Pine Log Road. Attendance requires a cover charge of $5, with game cards available for $1 to $25.
Weekly support group meetings, including the Awesome Aiken Al-Anon group at First Christian Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., and the Nar-Anon Aiken Family Support Group at St. John’s Methodist Church at the same time on Tuesdays, offer community members a place to connect and receive support. Furthermore, the Celebrate Recovery meetings are held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Cedar Creek Church, providing a safe space for those dealing with life’s challenges.
For those interested in music, the Mountain Dulcimers of Aiken meet on Tuesday, July 3, at 5 p.m. at Living Hope Fellowship Church. This meeting is open to participants of all levels and experience with instruments. Following the arts, the ACBL Bridge Games are scheduled for 1 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center.
Local cultural events include a free trip to the Savannah River Site Museum, available Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and an upcoming Art History program on Surrealism, set for July 31 at Better World Studios in Graniteville.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming “First Friday” event in downtown Aiken on August 1, from 5 to 7 p.m., showcasing local businesses and community spirit. Film enthusiasts will have the chance to enjoy an Inside Out Double Feature on August 2 at the Aiken County Public Library, with showtimes at 2 p.m. for “Inside Out” and 3:45 p.m. for “Inside Out 2.”
The Dinner Detective True Crime Mystery Dinner Show will also take place on August 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The River Club in North Augusta. This day will also feature the Ridge Spring Farmers Market, open from 8 a.m. to noon at Ridge Spring Town Plaza, and a dedication ceremony for a new American Revolution Monument at 11 a.m. in Edgefield Court House Square.
Looking forward, the Aiken Department of Public Safety will host National Night Out on August 5 at 6 p.m. at Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, aiming to strengthen community relationships. There will also be a Free Law Talk on the same day discussing Paternity, Custody, and Child Support from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Aiken County Public Library.
Discussion series titled “Let’s Talk About” will run from September 9 through December 9 at the library, focusing on various themes including the adaptation of books into movies.
As Aiken County navigates these weather changes and community events, residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in local happenings for support and connection.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet – Weather News
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Post and Courier – Winter Storm
- Google Search: Aiken County Weather
- WFXG – E-Learning Due to Severe Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cyclone
- WLTX – Weather Forecast
- Google News: South Carolina Weather Alerts
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken 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 Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. 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.
