More muggy and wet or a dry heat the rest of SC summer? What NWS & Farmers Almanac predict
The excessively hot, rainy weather South Carolinians have endured most of this summer isn’t over yet.
Above average temperatures and rainfall will be likely across most of South Carolina for August through September, according to the latest climate forecast from the National Weather Service. Much of the deep South and many eastern states can expect similar weather the rest of the summer.
While some consider Labor Day or when kids return to school as the end of summer, the season officially ends on Sept. 22 this year.
NWS weather predictions
The remaining summer outlook predicts a 50-60% chance of temperatures being above normal across nearly all of South Carolina for August through September. A small sliver of the Upstate can expect slight relief with a 40-50% chance of temperatures slightly above above normal, NWS states. Basically, more of the same kind of temperatures the state has endured this summer so far.
What about rain?
Most of South Carolina is predicted to have a 40-50% chance of rainfall leaning above average for the remainder of summer. Meanwhile, the coastal areas of the state will likely have a higher 50-60% chance of above average rainfall.
Farmers Almanac predictions
The extended forecast from Farmers’ Almanac has predicted oppressive heat and showery, thundery weather for the summer in the Southeast. For August, South Carolina can expect the first week to be full of widespread showers. Later in the month, residents will have to endure what Farmers’ Almanac describes as “oppressively hot” temperatures. That will be followed by a few severe thunderstorms around the state and more humid weather.
Rainy weather and more oppressively warm temperatures will persist in the first weeks of September. Expect doses of heavy rains and extremely humid temperatures through much of the month.
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.
Don’t forget La Niña
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center currently predicts a 70% chance La Niña will form sometime between August and October. The formation of La Niña can contribute to more severe Atlantic Hurricane seasons.
The Atlantic hurricane season started June 1 and lasts through November.
This story was originally published July 31, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
