With the recent rain one question still stands, why is the ground still dry? The scattered showers and thunderstorms aren’t nearly enough to break the long-term drought.
All 46 counties in South Carolina remain locked into moderate-to-extreme drought status. The good news is that the state has managed to hold off on upgrading to an “Exceptional Drought” for now.
The strain on the water supply is steadily growing. At least 15 water systems across the state have ordered mandatory water restrictions and 40 more are asking for voluntary conservation.
Stream flows and ground water levels are below normal; the drought is so deep it has dried up artesian wells in parts of the state. The South Carolina Forestry Commission is warning residents that dry vegetation and organic soil can easily ignite a fast-moving wildfire. They remind all South Carolinians to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Looking ahead South Carolina ETV and Public Radio’s Chief Meteorologist, Tim Miller says there is a stalled cold front over the state and is the focus of widespread rain, expecting 2-3 inches of rain from Friday through Sunday. Statements made by state climatologists expressed how consecutive months of rainfall will be needed to recharge the groundwater and bring things back to normal.
The Drought Response Committee will reconvene on August 6 to reevaluate. Stay updated on this developing story with South Carolina ETV and Public Radio.