Hot, dry weather, along with the brief interruption of passing hurricane Bonnie on Wednesday, August 26, was observed throughout the week. At Bonnie's closest approach, about 100 miles to the east of Myrtle Beach, hurricane force gust were reported. At 2:00 P.M. Myrtle Beach observed north winds peaking at 77 mph. Downed trees and fallen power lines disrupted utility service over most of Horry County. Property damage to rooftops, awnings and signs was widespread. Around two inches of rain was measured over the Grand Strand. Sunny, sweltering conditions followed into the weekend. Afternoon high temperatures from the mid 90's to the low 100's settled across South Carolina. Florence took the unwanted honor of highest heat index value with 116 degrees on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Most counties have seen little or no rain over the past two weeks. Temperatures for the period averaged seven degrees above normal.
PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA
The maximum observed temperature was 103 degrees on August 28 and 29 at Johnston. The minimum observed temperature was 55 degrees at Hunts Bridge on the morning of August 24. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was recorded at Loris with 2.34 inches ending at 7:00 a.m. on August 27. Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 0.1 inches.
Precipitation
Period 1998 Deviation* Temperature
Location Total Total From Avg. Maximum Minimum
Greer 0.00 38.3 2.9A 98 66
Charlotte, NC 0.00 30.3 0.9A 93 65
Columbia 0.00 36.2 0.1B 99 70
Florence FAA 0.18 34.7 2.7A 101 70
Blackville 0.00 36.8 1.8A 100 64
Augusta, GA 0.00 36.3 3.5A 100 65
Beaufort 0.01 40.8 2.8A 100 72
Charleston AP 0.00 46.0 8.0A 97 69
Myrtle Beach 2.11 47.5 10.4A 90 70
*A=Above, B=Below E=Estimate
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
August 1-30
Cooling Heating
Columbia 481 0
Charleston 489 0
Greenville 410 0
Temperatures are expected to average near 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 88 degrees.
RIVERS AND SURF
Rivers are near to below normal. Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 83 degrees.
sco@water.dnr.state.sc.us http://water.dnr.state.sc.us/climate/sco/weekly/wk083198.html