After Sunday’s soaking rain, drought conditions took a big hit during Thursday’s United States Drought Monitor update.
Just last week, drought expanded and encroached on every portion of the Midlands.
The National Weather Service observed 2.42 inches in Saluda County’s Ridge Spring area while Newberry County’s Prosperity saw 2.40 inches.
"We saw stats comparable to what we see during lower impact tropical systems."
In late December, a string of rain events briefly improved conditions, but without much rain since then conditions have gone downhill.
The USDM cited low streamflows, drying soils and ‘tanking’ drought indices as the reason for the upgrade across the southeastern United States.
It’s also important to note that this is what is known as recharge season for the state.
The counties were upgraded from normal drought status to incipient, which is known as the first stage of drought.
"Dry conditions lead to an increased risk for brush fires," says SkyWACH Meteorologist Justin Kier.
Plus we’re entering into prime time historically for South Carolina wild fires."