SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

July 19 - 25, 2004

WEATHER SUMMARY

Wet grounds and 60 degree temperatures caused widespread fog to form on Monday morning. Strong thunderstorms developed during the late afternoon hours with large hail reported in Elgin and Sumter. High pressure built over the state on Tuesday, bringing hot, humid weather and hazy skies. This pattern continued into the weekend. Wet weather was limited to sea breeze induced convection along the coastal counties. Near 100 degree heat was recorded on Saturday before a northeast wind on Sunday brought in a layer of clouds and cooler daytime temperatures. For the period, the state average temperature was near normal.

The highest official temperature reported was 99 degrees at Calhoun Falls on July 24. The lowest official temperature reported was 58 degrees at Longcreek on the morning of July 19. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall reported was 2.50" at Walhalla ending at 7:00 a.m. on July 25. The average statewide rainfall for the period was 0.2”.

PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA

             Precipitation                     Temperature
                       Weekly   Jan 1  Deviation      Average  Average
                        Total   Total   From Avg      Maximum  Minimum  Average
         Greer           0.42    21.9       -7.8           89       70       80
      Columbia           0.16    23.2       -5.5           94       73       84 
   Augusta, GA           0.00    23.9       -2.8           95       70       82 
        Cheraw*           NA     
       Chester*           NA
      Johnston*           NA
        Sumter*           NA       
     Clemson*           NA
      Florence           0.08    16.1       -9.6           90       71       81 
  Myrtle Beach           0.95    21.3       -2.5           86       73       79 
     Allendale*           NA
    Charleston           1.07    19.6       -8.7           92       75       84 
      Beaufort*           NA

* Rainfall totals ending Sunday 7:00 a.m.  All others ending midnight.
E-Estimated
   

SOIL

4 inch depth average soil temperature: Columbia 85 degrees.

RIVERS AND SURF

South Carolina river stages were below normal. Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach
and Savannah will average around 82 degrees.