Canadian-type high pressure, anchored over the mid-Atlantic states, provided cooler conditions through the first few days of the week. Morning low temperatures in the 50's were observed across most sites west and north of the midlands. On Thursday, surface winds shifted to a more southerly direction, bringing with it increasing heat and more moisture. Late day scattered thunderstorms dropped heavy rainfall totals over the north coast and westward near the North Carolina-South Carolina border. On both Saturday and Sunday, partly sunny skies, low to mid-90 degree heat and strong afternoon thunderstorms were reported. Temperatures for the period averaged two degrees below normal.
PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE DATA
The maximum observed temperature was 96 degrees on August 7 at Cedar Creek and Williams. The minimum observed temperature was 49 degrees at Hunts Bridge on the morning of August 5. The heaviest official 24-hour rainfall was recorded at Chappells with 3.80 inches ending at 7:00 a.m. on August 9. Statewide rainfall for the period averaged 0.8 inches.
Precipitation
Period 1998 Deviation* Temperature
Location Total Total From Avg. Maximum Minimum
Greer 0.76 36.8 4.0A 91 62
Charlotte, NC 1.62 28.4 1.5A 89 59
Columbia 2.20 34.9 2.5A 92 60
Florence FAA 0.63 33.8 5.2A 93 65
Blackville 0.10 35.8 4.1A 93 58
Augusta, GA 0.10 34.3 4.6A 93 57
Beaufort 0.08 39.0 6.4A 93 72
Charleston AP 0.47 42.7 9.5A 88 70
Myrtle Beach 2.51 44.3 11.8A 88 64
*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 1-9
Cooling Heating
Columbia 127 0
Charleston 127 0
Greenville 102 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 81 degrees.RIVERS AND SURF
Rivers are near normal. Surf temperatures at Myrtle Beach and Savannah will average around 81 degrees.