It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Robert Mills House and Gardens gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Columbia, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit Historic Columbia, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Columbia, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Columbia, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Columbia, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The American Red Cross says people have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire the second a smoke alarm sounds. That’s why they joined SC State Fire and The Columbia-Richland Fire Department Saturday morning to give out hundreds of smoke alarms and fire safety information, tackling fire safety with a Smoke Alarm Blitz.Providing...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The American Red Cross says people have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire the second a smoke alarm sounds. That’s why they joined SC State Fire and The Columbia-Richland Fire Department Saturday morning to give out hundreds of smoke alarms and fire safety information, tackling fire safety with a Smoke Alarm Blitz.
Providing life-saving resources to communities who need it is what this smoke alarm blitz is all about.
Dozens of firefighters and volunteers from the American Red Cross gave out more than 160 smoke alarms across Colombia’s Hollywood Hills neighborhood... Also providing fire prevention, safety, and escape tips.
Hollywood Hills resident Connie Ashford says having smoke alarms installed at her house Saturday was a nice surprise for her and her 6-year-old daughter.
“We are so thrilled because we want to be proactive, and make sure we do all the things to teach our little one here to be safe in the case of a fire,” Ashford said.
The resources were provided to people living along Stanford Street, Hillvale Drive, Larchwood Drive, Beaverbrook Road, and other nearby streets.
Columbia-Richland Assistant Fire Marshal Bengie Leverett says the area needs resources and knowledge.
“We recently had a fire fatally out here I believe time in the early part of this year,” Leverett said, “We target those high-risk areas this is one of the 29203, 29204 areas that’s in high risk; that’s why we’re in this area.”
State fire officials plan to be back in the Columbia area again for another smoke alarm blitz soon.
Fire officials also say having two escape plans is crucial in any household and should be established between family.
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The Midlands will enjoy beautiful weather this weekend, but a statewide burn ban limits outdoor burning activities.COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Midlands is set to enjoy beautiful weather this weekend, but outdoor activities may be limited due to a statewide burn ban issued by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The ban, which went into effect Friday night, restricts...
The Midlands will enjoy beautiful weather this weekend, but a statewide burn ban limits outdoor burning activities.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Midlands is set to enjoy beautiful weather this weekend, but outdoor activities may be limited due to a statewide burn ban issued by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The ban, which went into effect Friday night, restricts various outdoor burning activities in the state.
“We're seeing high and gusty winds, also very low relative humidity and very dry fuels across the state,” said Madeline Stewart, a spokesperson for the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Under the current ban, outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires, and other recreational fires, are not allowed in any unincorporated areas of South Carolina.
“Fuels in the wildfire world is anything that a fire would consume, so think leaves, vegetative debris, pine straw, grass, all those types of things,” Stewart said.
For campers, this means they’ll have to find alternative ways to enjoy their outdoor experience. Cindy Clemmer, a camper at one local campground, was looking forward to a traditional wood fire for s’mores and family time. However, after learning about the burn ban, she adjusted her plans.
“One of our dads over here happened to be at the Walmart and we asked the rangers if propane was legal and it was within the guidelines of what we could do so dad came back with a propane fire pit and we planned to have a little tiny campfire time around a propane fire tonight,” Clemmer explained.
Despite the burn ban, there are still ways to enjoy the outdoors. John Wells, park manager of Sesquicentennial State Park, mentioned that people can still picnic and grill.
“We urge you to use a gas grill instead of the charcoal because right now we're having to be very careful with embers going out and causing potential camp fires,” Wells said.
For those missing the campfire experience, Wells suggested some creative alternatives. “Have glow parties with glow sticks and card games and all kinds of board games with battery-powered lanterns in the campground, so there’s alternatives to get around the campfire ban for this weekend.”
The South Carolina Forestry Commission also issued a note of caution regarding outdoor grilling. “Technically, outdoor grilling, when you're making food for immediate human consumption, is allowed, but of course, we want to keep everybody safe and during this burning ban, we strongly recommend that people hold off on outdoor grilling,” Stewart said.
The burn ban remains in effect until the South Carolina Forestry Commission lifts it. Residents are encouraged to stay safe and check for updates from the commission before planning activities.
South Carolina women's basketball opens ...
South Carolina women's basketball opens March Madness with Friday's first-round game against Tennessee Tech in Columbia.
The Gamecocks (30-3) earned a 1-seed after sweeping through the SEC Tournament two weeks ago.
The Golden Eagles (26-5) have won 17 games in a row coming into Friday's matchup, earning the OVC's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament with an OT win over Lindenwood in the OVC Tournament final on March 8.
Friday's winner will face the Utah-Indiana winner in a second-round matchup on Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16.
South Carolina vs. Tennessee Tech will broadcast nationally on ESPN. Courtney Lyle and Carolyn Peck will call the game at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Greenville News reporter Lulu Kesin's prediction: South Carolina 85, Tennessee Tech 52
It's difficult to bet against the Gamecocks, especially in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Te-Hina Paopao finishes with a team-high in her second to last game at home.
In Columbia, S.C. (Friday)
In College Park, Maryland (Saturday)
In Chapel Hill, N.C. (Saturday)
In Durham, N.C. (Friday)
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A burn ban is in effect for Lexington County. Residents should check local restrictions before burning.Credit: WLTXCOLUMBIA, S.C. — A dry airmass is set to dominate South Carolina through the weekend, bringing near-to-above-normal temperatures and elevated fire weather concerns to the state. The most critical fire danger conditions are expected on Saturday due to gusty winds and low relative humidity. However, a shift in weather patterns will occur...
A burn ban is in effect for Lexington County. Residents should check local restrictions before burning.
Credit: WLTX
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A dry airmass is set to dominate South Carolina through the weekend, bringing near-to-above-normal temperatures and elevated fire weather concerns to the state. The most critical fire danger conditions are expected on Saturday due to gusty winds and low relative humidity. However, a shift in weather patterns will occur late Sunday as moisture returns, leading to increased rain chances with the arrival of another cold front.
Today through Tonight
Sunny skies are forecast for today. Afternoon dew points are forecasted to drop to or below 20 degrees, significantly increasing fire danger despite diminishing winds. Temperatures are expected to be in the middle 60s this afternoon.
Credit: WLTX
Overnight, winds are expected to increase. This increase in wind speeds may prevent temperatures from dropping too low, with overnight lows forecasted in the upper 30s to low 40s.
Saturday and Sunday: Fire Danger and Changing Conditions
Saturday
The region will remain under a very dry airmass with critical fire weather conditions. A cold front will pass through by Saturday evening, but ahead of it, westerly winds at the surface and above will drive relative humidity values down. Gusts of 20-30 mph are expected during the afternoon, further increasing the fire risk. The combination of dry fuels, low humidity, and windy conditions makes Saturday a high-risk fire weather day.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide red flag fire alert on Thursday, continuing until further notice. Though the alert does not ban outdoor burning, residents are urged to postpone any fires, as recent wildfire activity has been significantly above average. The alert will remain in effect until conditions improve, and residents should check local restrictions before burning.
Temperatures on Saturday will be above normal, with highs reaching the mid-70s before cooling into the upper 30s to low 40s overnight. Winds will begin to lighten in the evening and shift northwesterly before becoming variable by Sunday morning.
Sunday
While the dry airmass will persist through most of Sunday, moisture levels will begin to rise by late afternoon ahead of an approaching cold front. Winds will shift to a southeasterly and then southerly direction at 5-10 mph. Relative humidity values will still drop to 25-30% in the afternoon, posing continued fire weather concerns despite the lighter winds.
Temperatures will climb into the upper 70s. By Sunday night, moisture levels will rise, with rain chances arriving Monday morning as a cold front moves through.
There is an elevated risk of wildfires today and probably through the weekend. Temperatures will warm over the weekend. Here is the this morning's forecast.
Posted by Daniel Bonds on Friday, March 21, 2025
Monday Through Thursday
Monday
Rain chances will increase as a cold front moves through in the afternoon and evening. While there is a slight chance of thunderstorms, the chance remains low. Cloud cover will keep temperatures cooler than Sunday, with highs in the lower 70s. Winds may be gusty ahead of the front but are expected to calm by Tuesday.
Tuesday Through Thursday
A generally dry pattern is expected for the remainder of the week as upper-level troughing continues over the eastern U.S. Moisture levels are projected to remain low, keeping conditions mostly dry. Another front may approach mid-to-late week, but with the existing dry airmass, significant precipitation is unlikely. Temperatures will stay near to above average, and fire weather concerns may return due to persistently low humidity levels.
FILE - UNC Greensboro head coach Trina Patterson directs her team in the first half of a semifinal NCAA college basketball game for the Southern Conference tournament, March 6, 2020, in Asheville, N.C. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek, File)CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — The Columbia women’s basketball team plays in an intimate 2,700-seat gym nestled in Manhattan that is nowhere to be found on the national sports landscape. Now the Lions and all the other starry-eyed dreamers in the NCAA Tournament are being serenaded just like former n...
FILE - UNC Greensboro head coach Trina Patterson directs her team in the first half of a semifinal NCAA college basketball game for the Southern Conference tournament, March 6, 2020, in Asheville, N.C. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek, File)
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — The Columbia women’s basketball team plays in an intimate 2,700-seat gym nestled in Manhattan that is nowhere to be found on the national sports landscape. Now the Lions and all the other starry-eyed dreamers in the NCAA Tournament are being serenaded just like former national champions UConn, South Carolina or Tennessee.
And this year, they're all getting paid to be there.
The star treatment this year goes beyond charter flights, hotel accommodations and coveted swag. For the first time, women's teams are getting an individual share of the profits, a perk men's teams have enjoyed for years.
It should be this way. We should be able to fly charter,” said UNC Greensboro coach Trina Patterson, whose Spartans will take a charter flight to play a game for the first time. “We are all playing in the same March Madness, the treatment for the men and women should be equal. We get a unit!"
That's correct, each women's team in the tournament will get a “unit” — money that is paid to conferences when one of its teams appears in the NCAA Tournament. The formula and definition of a unit can be complicated, but the bottom line is conferences will receive $113,000 for each game one of its women’s team plays in the tournament.
Columbia reached the tournament last year, but neither the Lions nor the Ivy League received money for the appearance.
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“You got to start somewhere and I think we've been so far behind,” said Columbia coach Megan Griffith. “I think of Sedona Prince and it's really cool to see that she's still able to play at a high level on a big stage. This is more like the whipped cream. I think the cherry on top is going to keep coming, but this it's really good so far."
Prince's video from 2020 that shed light on the inequalities between the men's and women's tournament helped spearhead change in the tournament.
Patterson is now with UNCG but she knows what its like to be one of the marquee teams. She played at Virginia in the 1980s when Geno Auriemma was an assistant at the school. Patterson then went on to be an assistant coach at Stanford for a few years under Tara VanDerveer.
Her 16th-seeded team will enjoy the comforts of the cross-country charter flight from Greensboro to Los Angeles, where they will try to knock off JuJu Watkins and No. 1-seeded Southern California. It's UNCG's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1998.
This is all new for William & Mary, which is making its first appearance but has the chance to earn two financial units. They are in the play-in game against High Point on Thursday with the winner facing No. 1 seed Texas.
“It should have always been that way. Women’s basketball has been fighting for equality for a very long time,” said William & Mary coach Erin Dickerson Davis, who was the associate head coach at Wake Forest, an assistant at Georgetown and has also coached at Towson, Illinois State, La Salle and Furman.
“I've been in this business for many, many years," Davis said. "I played college basketball, it's a long time coming."
It is the Tribe's first trip to March Madness in either men's or women's basketball.
“Everyone is so excited about the experience, going from the bus directly to the plane, everyone was so happy,” Davis said. “Yes, we’re here on a business trip and we want to win. But just to be able to have these experiences for them that no one has done at William & Mary is special.”
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Several of the players at Columbia can relate. They aren't in Chapel Hill for spring break. They are here to win. But that doesn't mean they aren't taking time to enjoy the moment.
“It was cool going to the charter and we've been taking it all in,” junior Perri Page said. “But it's a business trip and we have a goal in mind.”
The Lions' schedule this week has mirrored most schools' travel itinerary. There was the building anticipation on the bus ride from their New York campus to Newark Airport for their pride-filled one-hour charter flight to Chapel Hill and the giddiness that comes with picking up that tournament swag on Wednesday.
Yes, there is a game to be played Thursday night. A pretty big one at that.
But what a ride to get here — with a paycheck looming to top it off.
“We've been enjoying the whole season," Page said, adding, “It's great we can make money for the school now.”
Patterson, the former Virginia Cavalier, Stanford Cardinal and now UNCG Spartan summed it up when she said: “It’s great for women’s basketball.”
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