SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Jan. 5-11, 1998


WEATHER SUMMARY

Early in the week, east to south winds, around departing high pressure, helped temperatures rise well above normal. Afternoon highs during the work week peaked in the 70's while morning lows were observed in the 50's. Scattered showers brought wet weather to many sites. Severe weather, in response to an approaching cold front, occurred on Wednesday and Thursday. Brief tornado touchdowns and hail were reported across the upstate. High winds caused light damage elsewhere. Flooding rainfall totals were excessive with high elevation stations receiving 5 to 7 inches. The Great Pee Dee River at Cheraw rose 21 feet in 24 hours. Clearing skies began on Friday. The week ended under drying sunshine and mild temperatures. Statewide temperatures for the period averaged 14 degrees above normal.

PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA

The maximum observed temperature was 76 degrees on January 7 at Jamestown. The minimum observed temperature was 25 degrees at Cedar Creek on the morning of January 11. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was recorded at Salem with 6.10" ending at 7:00 a.m. on January 8. Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 1.8 inches.

               Precipitation
               Period     1997          Deviation*        Temperature
Location       Total      Total         From Avg.       Maximum Minimum   
Greer          2.37       2.4           0.9A             69        32
Charlotte, NC  1.28       1.3           0.0A             72        34
Columbia       1.65       1.7           0.1A             77        31    
Florence FAA   1.24       1.2           0.1B             75        33   
Blackville     0.79       0.81          0.7B             76        30 
Augusta, GA    0.95       1.0           0.4B             77        30
Beaufort       1.95       2.0           0.6A             77        38 
Charleston     1.58       1.6           0.4A             75        36
Myrtle Beach   2.74       2.7           1.3A             68        37
*A=Above, B=Below                                                               
Note: Weekly rainfall amounts are for the prior 24-hrs ending 7:00 a.m. Monday through ending 7:00 a.m. Sunday

ENERGY DEMAND AND AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY

                     Degree Days      
                      Actual  
                      Jan. 1-11
                    Cooling   Heating              
Columbia              7       132
Charleston           10       102
Greenville            0       158    
Temperatures are expected to average near normal for the week. Rainfall is expected to be near normal.
The Sandhill Research and Education Center in north Columbia reports an average 4-inch depth soil temperature of 52 degrees.

RIVERS AND SURF

River stages are well above normal.
Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 52 degrees.


sco@water.dnr.state.sc.us
http://water.dnr.state.sc.us/climate/sco/weekly/wk011298.html