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