SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

March 22 - 28, 2004

WEATHER SUMMARY

The first full week of Spring began with cool, dry weather. On both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, low temperatures fell below freezing across inland sites. Daytime high temperatures were observed in the 50's and lower 60's. Surface winds shifted to a more southeasterly direction by Thursday bringing warmer air northward. Afternoon temperatures began a steady climb into the 70's. Friday's sunshine helped push the mercury to near 80 degrees. This pattern continued through the weekend with warm, sunny weather. Flowering has accelerated due to the warmth while pollen counts were peaking. The ongoing dry conditions have delayed some counties progress in Spring field work. The statewide average temperature for the period was near normal.

The highest temperature reported was 88 degrees at Orangeburg on March 28. The lowest temperature was 18 degrees at Longcreek on the morning of March 23. The heaviest 24 hour rainfall was 0.00". The average statewide rainfall for the period was 0.0.”

PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA

                                Precipitation                  Temperature
                       Weekly   Jan 1  Deviation     Average     Average
                        Total   Total   From Avg      Maximum  Minimum  Average
         Greer           0.00     6.4       -7.2           69       42       55 
      Columbia           0.00     6.4       -6.3           71       41       56 
   Augusta, GA           0.00     8.3       -4.5           73       38       56 
        Cheraw           0.00     5.3       -6.1           71       42       57 
       Chester           0.00     6.1       -6.7           69       34       51 
      Johnston           0.00     4.3       -9.4           70       35       52 
        Sumter           0.00     6.6       -5.6           69       38       53       
       Clemson           0.00     5.5      -10.2           68       40       54
      Florence           0.00     4.8       -6.0           69       40       54 
  Myrtle Beach           0.00     8.2       -2.5           62       43       52 
     Allendale           0.00     9.1       -2.9           70       36       53 
    Charleston           0.00     6.2       -4.6           71       43       57 
      Beaufort           0.00     5.4       -5.1           68       45       57 

SOIL

4 inch depth average soil temperature: Columbia 64 degrees.

RIVERS AND SURF

South Carolina river stages were below normal. Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and
Savannah will average around 59 degrees.