Spring-like warming was observed Monday through Thursday. Table Rock, elevation 1020 feet, reported 80 degrees on Wednesday afternoon. Pollen counts were heaviest near the Lowcountry and expanding westward. On Thursday, a few showers developed along the central coast but sites inland continued dry. This was not the case Friday as areas of pouring, one-inch rains fell throughout the north and south midlands. Cold air advection replaced the week's mild to warm weather with gusting winds on Saturday and Sunday. Most thermometers on Sunday morning noted a hard freeze with the exception of the state's southernmost county of Beaufort with 34 degrees. High temperatures over the weekend, although under bright blue skies, were in the 50's and lower 60's. The state average temperature for the period was two degrees above normal.
The highest official temperature reported was 85 degrees at Givhans on March 13 and at Darlington on March 15. The lowest official temperature reported was 22 degrees at Johnston, Cedar Creek, and Hunts Bridge on the morning of March 18. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall reported was 1.75 inches at Pelion ending at 7:00 a.m. on March 17. The average statewide rainfall for the period was 0.7 inches.
Precipitation
Weekly Jan 1 Deviation
Total Total From Avg
Greer 0.76 10.72 -1.1
Columbia 1.07 9.07 -2.2
Orangeburg 1.07 9.07 -2.2
Charlotte, NC 0.87 10.43 0.2
Augusta, GA 0.33 8.10 -3.3
Florence 0.76 6.34 -3.1
Myrtle Beach 0.53 6.78 -2.7
Charleston 0.29 7.09 -2.4
Savannah, GA 0.15 6.57 -2.4
Weekly rainfall totals ending midnight Sunday.
4-inch depth average soil temperature: Columbia 58 degrees.
South Carolina river stages were near to above normal. Ocean water temperatures at Springmaid Pier Myrtle Beach were reported at 55 degrees.
As a Reminder: Spring 2007 will officially begin at 8:07 p.m. DST, March 20.
For additional information contact tylerw@dnr.sc.gov or by calling (803) 734-9100.
