How hot will SC get this summer? What forecasters say & where to set your thermostat to save money
Is it hot enough for you yet, South Carolina?
Just you wait.
While the Palmetto State has already had a good dose of hot, muggy, summer-like weather in recent weeks, the summer season doesn’t officially start this year until June 20. And after it does, residents can likely expect months of above average heat and rainfall, forecasters say.
Here are the latest summer forecasts from the National Weather Service and the Farmers’ Almanac, along with details on where South Carolinians should set their thermostats in the coming months to save the most money.
NWS summer forecast for SC
The NWS Climate Prediction Center calls for a 40% to 50% chance of South Carolina having above normal temperatures in July, August and September.
Rainfall
Most of South Carolina is predicted to have a 40% to 50% chance of above normal rainfall from July through September. However, the Upstate is expected to have a lower 33% to 40% chance of above normal rainfall over the same period.
Farmers’ Almanac extended forecast
The Farmers’ Almanac summer weather forecast calls for a warm, hot and muggy summer for most of the nation. The Southeast in particular faces soaking showers and steamy days.
According to Farmers’ Almanac, the weeks of June 8 and June 16 in South Carolina will experience a rise in humidity and more thunderstorms. Expect the month to round out with humidity and more thunderstorms as well.
Expect a bout of hot but dry weather the week of July 4, followed by a week of heavy rains. More thunderstorms and hot temperatures are predicted toward the end of July.
Showery rains will continue into August. Temperatures are expected to get “oppressively hot” the week of Aug. 8. Don’t expect rain chances to let up toward the end of August, but temperatures should cool a bit, Farmers’ Almanac states.
The Almanac predicts more rain and oppressive heat in the first week of September, followed by a stint of popup showers. More heavy rains are expected during the final week of the month.
How Farmers’ Almanac predicts the weather
Founded in 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac uses a secret formula that includes components such as “sunspot activity, tidal action, the position of the planet,” to predict long-range weather forecasts. The forecasts are typically made two years in advance. Fans of the Farmers’ Almanac have, over the years, calculated that the predictions are accurate 80-85% of the time.
Recommended thermostat setting
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your air conditioner to 78 degrees during the summer. The idea is that you’ll save 10% on your power bill for every degree you go above 78 degrees. Otherwise, you’ll spend 10% for every degree you go below 78 degrees.
Staying comfortable
Carolina Comfort Inc., a Columbia-based HVAC company, notes that 78 degrees can still fee muggy, particularly in places like the Midlands because of the high humidity.
“This is because the heating and cooling system simply will not run long enough to pull the humidity in the house down below 50% relative humidity, which is ideal for most people,” the company’s website states.
To counteract that feeling, the company suggests also running ceiling fans.
“By running the ceiling fans in your home, you will move the cool air around; also, the air movement will help eliminate hot and cold spots that can be present in the home,” the website states.
Energy saving tips
Dominion Energy has several tips to help South Carolinians save money on their power bills over the summer.
- Check air filters monthly and change when dirty
- Periodically check your ductwork for leaks or tears
- Have your central heating and cooling system serviced annually
- Upgrade your attic insulation to a minimum of R-38 (12-14 inches)
- Caulk, seal and weather-strip around all seams, cracks and openings
- Install a door sweep to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold
