SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

     Below normal temperatures under sunny skies started the week.  On
Wednesday low pressure developed over the Gulf of Mexico and spread
rainshowers over South Carolina.  This feature was quickly followed by a
secondary wet weather system which continued the rains into Friday.  High
pressure influenced the weekend with clearing skies, gusting winds and much
colder temperatures.  By Sunday morning the mercury had dropped to near
freezing as far east as the south midlands.  Statewide temperatures for the
period averaged 7 degrees below normal.

     The maximum observed temperature was 72 degrees on November 10 at
Jamestown.  The minimum observed temperature was 17 degrees at Huntsbridge on
the morning of November 16.  The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was
recorded at Little Mountain with 2.17" ending at 7:00 a.m. on November 15.
Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 1.6 inches.

                  Precipitation
                 Period     1997     Deviation*       Temperature
Location         Total      Total     From Avg.    Maximum   Minimum   
Greer            1.20       44.4       1.0B        57        28
Charlotte, NC    1.16       42.8       4.7A        60        32
Columbia         1.68       41.3       3.7B        67        34            
Florence FAA     1.52       43.3       3.7A        65        34   
Blackville       1.79       48.8       6.4A        69        31
Augusta, GA      2.28       41.3       1.2B        67        31
Beaufort         3.09       48.7       1.6B        70        44 
Charleston       1.35       56.7       9.5A        70        34
Myrtle Beach     1.43       46.0       1.2B        64        41
*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

                       Degree Days      
                         Actual  
                       Nov. 1-16
                    Cooling   Heating              
Columbia              0        220
Charleston            0        147
Greenville            0        278         
     
     Temperatures are expected to average near to below 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 49 degrees.

    River stages are near normal.
    Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 58
    degrees.