SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

The first full week of Spring 1999 began under sunny, mild weather. Afternoon temperatures on Tuesday climbed into the upper 70's and on Wednesday into the low 80's. Trees and flowers have responded to the warming with increased pollen counts. Rainshowers ahead of an approaching frontal boundary began early Thursday. Winter weather returned on Friday for the mountains as much colder air turned rain into snow. Up to two inches of snow fell atop peaks along the border with North Carolina. Clearing and cooler weather followed on Saturday. Gradual warming under a day of sunshine ended the week. Statewide temperatures for the week averaged three degrees below normal.

PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA

The maximum observed temperature was 83 degrees on March 25 at Beaufort. The minimum observed temperature was 24 degrees at Cedar Creek on the morning of March 28. The heaviest 24-hour rainfall was 1.65 inches at Givhans ending at 7:00 a.m. on March 26. Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 0.9 inches.

          
                 Precipitation
                Period     1999     Deviation*       Temperature
Location        Total      Total    From Avg.     Maximum    Minimum   
Greer           0.25        8.7       4.8B          72         32 
Charlotte, NC   0.06        7.5       4.1B          76         32 
Columbia        0.63        8.6       4.6B          79         34    
Florence FAA    0.73       12.2       1.6A          81         38 
Blackville      1.04        9.9       2.5B          81         29
Augusta, GA     0.92       10.7       1.9B          79         31 
Beaufort        0.52        6.9       3.9B          83         43 
Charleston AP   0.36        9.0       1.7B          80         41
Myrtle Beach    1.47       11.2       0.6B          71         37

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  
                   March 1-28 
                Cooling   Heating             
Columbia           0        389
Charleston         9        294
Greenville         0        461

RIVERS AND SURF

Rivers are near to below normal.
Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 57 degrees.

As a reminder: On Sunday April 4, 1999 Eastern Standard Time will change to Daylight Saving Time. At 2:00 a.m. set clock time ahead one hour.