SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

     High pressure, which controlled the state's weather during the week
produced hot, dry weather at most sites. Widely scattered, late afternoon
thunderstorms were reported on Saturday, August 16 over eastern sections.
High winds were responsible for downed trees and power disruptions.
Afternoon high temperatures on Saturday and Sunday climbed into the mid and
upper 90's.  A peak heat index of 111 degrees was observed by Shaw Air Force
Base in Sumter at 4 :00 p.m., Sunday.  Soils, lawns and gardens are showing
the stress of high heat and lack of rainfall.   Statewide temperatures for
the period averaged around three degrees above normal.  

     The maximum observed temperature was 99 degrees on August 16 at Cheraw,
Johnston, Chesterfield and the State Climatology Office in downtown Columbia.
The minimum observed temperature was 60 degrees at Cedar Creek on the morning
of the 12th.  The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was recorded at
Ridgeland with 2.46" ending at 7:00 a.m. on August 17.  Statewide rainfall
for the period averaged 0.5 inches.

                  Precipitation
                 Period     1997         Deviation*       Temperature
Location         Total      Total         From Avg.    Maximum      Minimum   
Greer            0.72       33.8            0.1A          94            66
Charlotte, NC    0.01       33.2            5.4A          98            68
Columbia         0.00       29.4            4.7B          97            67            
Florence FAA     2.40       32.7            2.8A          95            67   
Blackville       1.10       31.4            1.6B          96            64
Augusta, GA      0.03       25.7            5.2B          98            64
Beaufort         1.10       30.9            3.9B          95            71 
Charleston       0.58       39.5            4.4A          94            68
Myrtle Beach     0.07       33.4            0.9B          91            69
*A=Above, B=Below                                                                       
                                   
Note: Weekly rainfall amounts are for the prior 24-hrs ending 7 am Monday
through ending 7 am Sunday

                       Degree Days      
                          Actual  
                       August 1-17
                    Cooling   Heating              
Columbia            247       0
Charleston          253       0
Greenville          201       0           
                                                                                            
     Temperatures are expected to average near to above normal for the week.
Rainfall is expected to be near normal.
     The Sandhill Research and Education Center in north Columbia reports an
average 4-inch depth soil temperature of 87 degrees.

  
    River stages are near to above normal.
    Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 82
degrees.