SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Excessive heat and the continuing lack of rain prompted the Department of Natural Resources to declare an Incipient Drought on July 1. In addition, the South Carolina Forestry Commission banned all outdoor burning until further notice. The threat of failure to unirrigated crops rose even higher. A few isolated thunderstorms were reported through the week, but fell way short of general relief. Some moderation to the 100 degree heat occurred over the July 4th holiday weekend. Cooler, onshore winds on Sunday helped develop thunderstorms across coastal counties. Temperatures for the period averaged six degrees above normal.

PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA

The maximum observed temperature was 106 degrees on June 29 at Allendale. The minimum observed temperature was 58 degrees at Hunts Bridge on the morning of July 1. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was recorded at Summerville with 1.30 inches ending at 7:00 a.m. on July 5. Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 0.2 inches.

                 Precipitation
                Period     1998    Deviation*       Temperature
Location        Total      Total    From Avg.    Maximum    Minimum   
Greer           0.21       32.9       5.1A       97         67
Charlotte, NC   0.29       24.2       1.7A       98         65 
Columbia        0.13       27.9       2.0A       102        69    
Florence FAA    0.39       29.6       7.2A       100        71   
Blackville      0.31       30.3       4.0A       104        66
Augusta, GA     0.00       31.5       6.6A       103        67
Beaufort        0.77       32.6       7.5A       101        72
Charleston AP   1.10       35.4      10.1A       100        72
Myrtle Beach    0.00       34.2      10.2A       99         74
*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  
                    July 1-5
                Cooling   Heating             
Columbia        98        0
Charleston     100        0
Greenville      77        0   

RIVERS AND SURF

Rivers are near to below normal. Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 83 degrees.