Beneficial rain will spread across South Carolina during the second half of the weekend as a storm system moves across the Southeast.
Computer forecast models continue to show a widespread rain event developing after midnight Sunday and potentially lasting through early Monday, with general rainfall totals ranging from about half an inch to over one inch.
Isolated higher amounts appear possible across the northern Midlands and the Upstate, but the rainfall is unlikely to lead to any flooding concerns but will lead to some slick roadways.
Rain chances will begin to decrease late Sunday and into early Monday morning as the storm system exits off the coastline.
Skies are expected to gradually clear behind the system, allowing much drier air to move in and temperatures will remain rather seasonable, with no signs of significant Arctic cold air on the horizon.
Severe weather also does not appear likely, but rainfall could help with the dry soil conditions.
All of South Carolina’s 46 counties are currently in a drought, with more than half of the state experiencing severe drought conditions.
Just over 10% of the state is considered to be in an extreme drought - the second most dire status on the drought index scale - when crop failures and a lack of water resources become possible.
Despite the expected rainfall, amounts will not be enough to fully eliminate the ongoing drought.
Many areas need roughly 9 to 14 inches of precipitation to be completely lifted out of drought status, meaning the upcoming rainfall will provide only limited relief.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 90% of the Southeast is officially in a drought, with some communities in Florida approaching exceptional levels.
While this year’s drought is eye-catching, it pales in comparison to some of the state’s worst events on record, including the historic 2001-2002 drought.
In August 2002, 100% of South Carolina was in a drought, with more than half the state categorized in an “Exceptional Drought” - the most severe classification.
All 46 counties were declared a disaster area, paving the way for federal assistance and low-interest loans for farmers struggling with crop production.
Some communities even resorted to water restrictions as reservoirs, lakes and river flows fell to low levels.