The work week was a mix of 50 degree mornings and 80 degree afternoons. A few scattered showers were reported early Tuesday. On Saturday, late day thunderstorms produced hail in Lexington and Richland County. Sunny, breezy conditions occurred on Sunday with additional scattered thunderstorms ahead of a weak cold front. High winds were responsible for downed trees in Aiken County. With only scattered rains, rising temperatures and daily evaporation rates averaging near three tenths of an inch, dry soils have once again become a concern for growers. Statewide temperatures for the period averaged one degree below normal.
PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA
The maximum observed temperature was 93 degrees on May 23 at Williams. The minimum observed temperature was 47 degrees in Cedar Creek on the morning of May 21. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was recorded at St. George with 0.48" on May 23. Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 0.2 inches.
Precipitation
Period 1999 Deviation* Temperature
Location Total Total From Avg. Maximum Minimum
Greer 0.12 14.2 6.8B 87 53
Charlotte, NC 0.82 12.7 4.7B 85 49
Columbia 0.26 13.6 5.6B 89 53
Florence FAA 0.67 19.4 3.3A 89 53
Blackville 0.65 17.7 1.3B 88 50
Augusta, GA 0.11 14.1 5.0B 90 52
Beaufort 0.05 12.6 4.2B 87 61
Charleston 0.01 15.7 0.7B 87 57
Myrtle Beach 0.05 17.0 0.6B 83 54
*A=Above, B=Below
Note: Weekly rainfall amounts are for the prior 24-hrs ending 7 am Monday through ending 7 am Sunday
ENERGY DEMAND AND AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY
Degree Days
Actual
May 1-23
Cooling Heating
Columbia 108 14
Charleston 123 20
Greenville 65 19
The Columbia Airport reports an average 4-inch depth soil temperature
of 75 degrees.
RIVERS AND SURF
Most river stages are near normal. Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 74 degrees.
sco@water.dnr.state.sc.us http://water.dnr.state.sc.us/climate/sco/weekly/wk052499.html