Widely scattered showers and storms were reported on Monday. Nearly 90% of the reporting observation sites measured rainfall. Clouds shielded the mid-summer sun and held high temperatures in the 80's. Sunny, hot weather followed through Friday. At 3:00 p.m. on Friday, both Florence and Charleston airports had a heat index value of 110 degrees. Strong thunderstorms formed in advance of an early fall-like cold front that afternoon and evening. Several eastern and southern counties had damaging high winds and minor street flooding. Much cooler and drier air spread over the state Saturday. Sunday's weather may have been the most pleasant so far this summer. Low temperatures fell into the 50's across high elevation and normally cold, sheltered areas. Sunny, blue skies, mild 80 degree warmth and brisk northeast winds resulted in a welcomed break from the seemingly, never- ending heat. Temperatures for the period averaged two degrees above normal.
PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA
The maximum observed temperature was 102 degrees on July 31 at Holly Hill. The minimum observed temperature was 56 degrees at Cedar Creek on the morning of August 2. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was recorded at Lake Wylie with 4.21 inches ending at 7:00 a.m. on July 28. Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 1.2 inches.
Precipitation
Period 1998 Deviation* Temperature
Location Total Total From Avg. Maximum Minimum
Greer 0.05 36.0 4.2A 91 64
Charlotte, NC 2.06 27.5 1.5A 92 63
Columbia 0.74 32.7 1.7A 96 68
Florence FAA 1.35 33.1 5.7A 97 66
Blackville 0.79 35.7 5.0A 98 61
Augusta, GA 0.18 34.1 5.4A 96 65
Beaufort 1.76 39.0 8.1A 96 72
Charleston AP 1.78 42.2 10.7A 96 69
Myrtle Beach 2.72 41.8 10.8A 90 69
*A=Above, B=Below E=Estimate
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
July 1-31
Cooling Heating
Columbia 540 0
Charleston NA 0
Greenville 502 0
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 82 degrees.
RIVERS AND SURF
Rivers are near to below normal. Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 81 degrees.