Hilton Head area braces for freezing temps — possible snow — with warming shelters
Lowcountry residents will want to get their coats and gloves out this week, as some of the coldest weather of the season is expected to arrive on Thursday night and continue into Friday morning.
The cold front is expected to bring freezing temperatures to inland areas and near-freezing conditions along the coast. Snow is even possible over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
NWS forecasters predict temperatures will drop into the lower to mid-20s inland, while coastal communities can expect lows in the upper 20s. Subfreezing temperatures are expected to last for 8 to 12 hours in many areas.
On Hilton Head, Thursday night is forecast to be clear, with a low of around 28 degrees. In Beaufort, temperatures will reach a low of 26 degrees. In both areas, winds of 5 to 10 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph, which may make conditions feel colder.
The cold air will intensify by Friday morning, when freezing temperatures are expected across the region. Lows could fall into the upper teens to lower 20s away from the beaches, marking the coldest readings so far this season.
Warming shelters opening
Two shelters will operate on Thursday, Jan. 15, opening at 5:30 p.m. and closing at 7:30 a.m. the following morning.
Sea Island Presbyterian Church: Beaufort
- Address: 81 Ladys Island Drive, Beaufort
- Dinner and breakfast provided
- Showers available
- No weapons, alcohol, smoking or pets allowed (service animals permitted)
- For more information, call 843-525-0696
Christ Lutheran Church: Hilton Head Island
- Address: 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island
- Dinner and a morning-to-go meal provided
- No weapons, alcohol, smoking or pets allowed (service animals permitted)
- Transportation assistance available from Hilton Head locations until 10 p.m.; call 843-422-7640 for more information
Is snow in the forecast?
The NWS says an arctic cold front arriving on Sunday will usher below normal temperatures, along with the possibility of flurries Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Forecasters are calling for a 30% chance of rain and snow showers after 1 a.m. on Saturday night and into Sunday morning for Hilton Head and Beaufort.
Monday is also expected to bring below normal temperatures, with a low of 33 degrees for both areas.
For the latest forecast, visit the NWS webpage.
This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 2:25 PM.
