SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

On Monday morning, low pressure, 29.53", near Myrtle Beach, caused snow to begin falling across the upstate counties. Sites as far east as the midlands reported a mix of sleet and snow. Accumulations in the state's higher elevations ranged between 3-5 inches. State government offices were closed early due to icy roadways. Cold northwest winds, gusting over 40 mph were noted on Tuesday. Snow showers were observed into Wednesday near Florence and the north coast. High pressure cleared skies for Thursday, the first day of the new year, but brought in very cold temperatures. Low to middle teen readings were recorded across the western half of the state. Milder weather returned for the weekend with afternoon temperatures on both Saturday and Sunday peaking in the mid 60's to the mid 70's. Statewide temperatures for the period averaged 2 degrees below normal.

PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA

The maximum observed temperature was 77 degrees on January 4 at Givhans Ferry. The minimum observed temperature was 10 degrees at Hunts Bridge on the morning of January 1. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was recorded at York with 1.00" ending at 7:00 a.m. on December 30. Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 0.3 inches.

                   Precipitation
                  Period     1997     Deviation*      Temperature
Location          Total      Total    From Avg.    Maximum   Minimum   
Greer             0.12       50.1       1.2B         67        19
Charlotte, NC     0.30       48.7       5.5A         70        20
Columbia          0.08       47.6       2.3B         72        20            
Florence FAA      0.30       48.7       4.9A         74        19   
Blackville        0.27       59.1       12.0A        71        19 
Augusta, GA       0.13       50.3       5.7A         74        19
Beaufort          0.07       54.0       2.6A         72        28 
Charleston        0.19       61.6       10.0A        75        25
Myrtle Beach      0.47       53.0       0.5A         64        20
*A=Above, B=Below                                                                       

ENERGY DEMAND AND AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY

                       Degree Days      
                         Actual  
                        Dec. 1-31
                    Cooling   Heating              
Columbia            0         599 
Charleston          0         473
Greenville          0         707       

RIVERS AND SURF
River stages are above normal.
Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 51 degrees.