SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Scattered thunderstorms, some with very heavy rains, were reported across the upstate on Monday. Afternoon storms, although isolated in coverage, followed into mid-week over eastern sections. Daytime high temperatures topped out in the low to mid 90's. Slow moving Hurricane Dennis approached the South Carolina coast from the south on Friday with storm warnings. The category two hurricane stayed just far enough offshore in its passing to minimize damage. On Sunday, stinging rains and winds gusting 40 to 50 mph were observed over the north coastal counties. Statewide temperatures for the period averaged two degrees above normal.

PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA

The maximum observed temperature was 96 degrees on August 25 at Jamestown. The minimum observed temperature was 61 degrees at Caesars Head on the morning of August 24. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was recorded at Lake Bowen with 4.09" ending at 7:00 a.m. on August 24. Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 1.2 inches.

                     Precipitation
                Period     1999         Deviation*     Temperature
Location        Total      Total         From Avg.  Maximum   Minimum   
Greer           0.61       21.7          13.5B        91         67
Charlotte, NC   0.80       22.0           7.3B        90         66
Columbia        0.05       22.1          14.2B        94         70            
Florence FAA    NA           NA             NA        92         67   
Blackville      0.95       28.7           6.2B        94         64
Augusta, GA     0.46       26.4           6.3B        94         69
Beaufort        0.56       35.1           2.6B        94         72 
Charleston      0.99       25.2          12.7B        92         73
Myrtle Beach    0.67       25.7          11.2B        88         70

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  
                       August 1-29
                    Cooling   Heating              
Columbia              557       0
Charleston             NA       0
Greenville            487       0          

RIVERS AND SURF

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