http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

The South Carolina Drought Response Committee upgraded the drought designation for all counties in the state. Thirteen counties were upgraded from incipient to moderate drought, including Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Marlboro, Marion and Williamsburg. The remaining counties were upgraded to the first level of drought, incipient. "Corn and tobacco crops are suffering. Hay production is low, and many producers are already feeding their winter hay and selling cows. Ponds and creeks are much lower than they were a few weeks ago," according to an agricultural program specialist with the Farm Service Agency Office. More wildfires have burned in recent weeks. In June, the Forestry Commission responded to 196 wildfires that burned more than 1,157 acres. Compared to the 10-year June average, there were 172% more fires and 231% more acres burned for the month. Most streams and groundwater levels were declining due to the lack of rain and high temperatures. With drought conditions intensifying, all water systems were asked to review their drought response plans and ordinances and implement as needed. The Sumter Item (S.C.), July 2, 2022 The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recognized 13 counties as being in incipient drought status. The 13 counties are Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg. Darlington County is unseasonably dry with rain evaporating before it can soak into the soil. Planting is underway in Marlboro County, but could soon slow or stop without rain. WPDE (Conway, S.C.), April 27, 2022