2011 SCDNR Weather Recap

A lack of rain made 2011 a good time to be outside with family

2011 South Carolina Weather in Review

2011 was another year of extreme weather events in South Carolina. 

June through August 2011 was the second warmest on record statewide (out of 117 years). The year’s temperature extremes ranged from a low of 5 degrees at Jocassee, Jan. 13, to the summer’s warmest temperature set at the University of South Carolina campus, 107 degrees, July 22. 

It was also another year of drought for South Carolina with portions of the state in incipient and moderate drought with six counties upgraded to severe drought in Nov. It was the driest year since records began in 1903 for Walterboro receiving only 27.78" (normal 48.5") !! 

Mount Pleasant Regional Airport recorded the state's unofficial highest accepted observed heat index value, 124 F, on July 13 at 3 p.m.  "Thankfully there were no hurricanes that made landfall for South Carolina this year," noted Assistant State Climatologist Wes Tyler, "but Hurricane Irene did bring bands of rain, gusty winds and significant beach erosion."

To view past blog entries about weather click here.