It's not as eye-catching as a severe storm or tornado, but South Carolina's ongoing drought can have larger financial implications than a sudden storm.
Since 1998, South Carolina has only had two years with above normal rainfall amounts. In other words, there hasn't been much recharge for area lakes, streams, rivers and other water resources.
Few residents will ever forget the summers of 2007 and 2008 when parts of the state were in the highest stages of drought. Many Midlands farmers faced financial peril as their only water sources, in most cases local irrigation ponds, dried up. Some farmers actually had to stop growing in 2007.
"Drought has a ripple effect through the economy," says State Climatologist Hope Mizzell. "Usually agriculture is the first industry to feel the effects of drought."
A fair chunk of South Carolina's cash crops depend able winter recharge to provide rich soil and ample moisture for spring planting. If fall has been any indicator, the upcoming winter may not hold much hope for a wet winter.
Long range forecasts are heavily influenced by the La Nina pattern, cooling of equitoral and eastern Pacific Ocean. The La Nina traditionally leads to a warmer, calmer and overall drier pattern for South Carolina.
"That tends to result in an impact in our weather where we have less than normal rainfall throughout the fall and well into the winter," says State Climatologist Hope Mizzell. "There are some indications it may continue into the spring."
The entire state of South Carolina is under drought conditions. Most of the state, including all of the Midlands, is under a moderate drought while parts of the Upstate are in the severe stage. The Drought Response Committee upgraded several counties during the November 8th meeting.
Ultimately, it could affect every South Carolinian at the cash register. The prices of peanut butter are a good example of what drought has done to common household items on the national scene.
Forestry officials are also concerned about drought. The lack of moisture becomes a public safety issue in the winter and early spring months due to brush fires. The peak of brush fires for the state is between December and March.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, most fires are under five acres, but most of those fires threaten homes. A September report from state and national officials, notes that drought conditions will likely lead to an increased chance and number of fires.
The next drought response committee meeting will taking place in six to eight weeks.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH