Drought conditions linger after a wet few weeks, but some areas are seeing improvement.
The U.S. Drought Monitor finds most of South Carolina is in moderate to severe drought. That's an improvement from the state’s previous exceptional and extreme drought readings. Exceptional drought is the most severe level of drought measured. Areas of the western Midlands and lower parts of the Upstate saw the most improvement.
But for some areas, the extremely dry conditions aren’t going anywhere.
The coastline still faces exceptional drought. Rainfall deficits are lowering river and lake water levels, posing a potential risk to boaters. Several public water systems across the state are requesting voluntary water conservation. South Carolina’s farmers continue to feel the pressure as soil moisture remains low.
The South Carolina State Climatology Office is the lead entity for drought monitoring for South Carolina through the South Carolina Drought Response Committee and the U.S. Drought Monitor.
An update to conditions is expected on June 18.
