Columbia Recorded Its Hottest September on Record

The city experienced its warmest September ever, with temperatures averaging 77.1 degrees Fahrenheit.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Current Conditions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing deep red, parched hexagonal cracks on a cream background, representing record-breaking heat. — Columbia recorded its hottest September on record in 2026, with average temperatures reaching 77.1 degrees Fahrenheit, a significant increase that has strained local energy budgets. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is it becoming more difficult for your household to afford necessary cooling and heating costs?

Through September 28, 2026, Columbia recorded an average temperature of 77.1 degrees, officially surpassing the previous record of 75.8 degrees set in 1897. Temperatures for the month averaged 7.5 degrees above normal.

Why it matters

Persistent high temperatures have forced increased air conditioning usage, straining household energy budgets. This heightened cooling demand comes alongside electricity prices that have climbed at least 31% over the past five years.

Columbia saw a record-warm average low of 67 degrees and a third-highest average high of 87.2 degrees. The city logged 350 cooling degree days, significantly higher than the typical 167.

The details

Cooling degree days, which measure the variance from a 72-degree baseline, have surged by 27% in Columbia over the last 50 years. Aside from September 24, every day throughout the month saw temperatures exceeding normal averages.

The previous September record was established in 1897.
September 24, 2026, was the only day with below-normal temperatures.
Data for the monthly temperature average was finalized on September 28, 2026.
The current El Niño is expected to reach its peak in December 2026.
Cooling demand is projected to increase 40% by 2050.

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Seasonal Patterns

This record-breaking month in Columbia reflects data collected using the National Weather Service's cooling degree day measurement standards to quantify heat-driven energy demand. The reported spike in cooling degree days follows a long-term trend of rising heat that is projected to continue through 2050.

Residents should continue to monitor energy consumption patterns as high cooling demand remains a factor through the autumn transition. Keeping air conditioning systems maintained and utilizing shade can help mitigate the financial impact of rising electricity costs.

The takeaway

The record heat highlights the growing intersection between rising regional temperatures and household utility expenses. Residents should prepare for projected increases in cooling demand as long-term climatological shifts continue to influence energy usage.