Frost was observed Monday morning at the usual cold locations as minimum temperatures fell into the 20's. A general southwest surface wind began during the afternoon Monday allowing for mild, yet continuing dry weather. A large area of high pressure (1043 mb), centered over New England, began influencing the state's weather on Wednesday with northeast to east winds. The slow southward repositioning of this feature set the stage for South Carolina high temperatures for the rest of the week climbing to well above normal. On Thursday morning, warm moist air around the time of sunrise, produced dense fog at Shaw AFB in Sumter with visibilities of zero. Afternoon high temperature rose nearly five degrees each day from Fridays low 80's to around 90 degrees Sunday. Adding to the unseasonable warmth was the blanket of tree pollen that seemed to cover most exterior surfaces. The state average temperature for the period was seven degrees above normal.
The highest official temperature reported was 92 degrees at Orangeburg and at Hardeeville USGS on March 25. The lowest official temperature reported was 25 degrees at Chester on the morning of March 19. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall reported was 0.11 inches at Hardeeville USGS ending at 7:00 a.m. on March 23. The average statewide rainfall for the period was 0.0 inches.
Precipitation
Weekly Jan 1 Deviation
Total Total From Avg
Greer 0.00 10.72 -2.3
Columbia 0.00 9.07 -3.2
Orangeburg 0.00 8.77 -3.5
Charlotte, NC 0.00 10.43 -0.8
Augusta, GA 0.00 8.10 -4.3
Florence 0.00 6.34 -4.0
Myrtle Beach 0.00 6.78 -3.6
Charleston 0.00 7.09 -3.4
Savannah, GA 0.03 6.60 -3.2
Weekly rainfall totals ending midnight Sunday.
4-inch depth average soil temperature: Columbia 66 degrees.
South Carolina river stages were near normal. Ocean water temperatures at Springmaind Pier Myrtle Beach were reported at 60 degrees.
For additional information contact tylerw@dnr.sc.gov or by calling (803) 734-9100.
