Data Sources
Many sources of weather and climate data for South Carolina and the world are available to the
State Climatology Office. These sources range from original manuscript records to published paper
records to computerized databases.
Computerized databases
The State Climatology Office has access to several computerized databases that contain information
for South Carolina and surrounding states.
Published records
The State Climatology Office maintains a collection of official publications from the National
Climatic Data Center, including Climatological Data, Local Climatological Data, Storm Data, and
Hourly Precipitation Data. Additional copies of these publications are available for purchase. The
State Climatology Office also maintains a sizable library of publications from other states and
government agencies as well as a list of climatological experts from other state and federal
agencies who can provide additional help with complex inquiries.
Original records
As part of the joint agreement with the National Climatic Data Center, the State Climatology
Office serves as an official repository for original climate records from South Carolina. Most of
the original manuscript forms for the National Weather Service cooperative stations form the
beginning of record (some from the 1890s) and are available. Earlier records and diaries from
early weather observers (mid-nineteenth century) are available on microfilm.
