2018 was a soaker, and South Carolina has the data to prove it

If it seemed like you were pulling out the raincoat and umbrella way too often during the 2018 Holiday season, you were correct. Preliminary data for South Carolina indicate December was the second wettest out of the 124-year record, with a statewide average rainfall of 7.67 inches which is almost double the normal rainfall of 3.56 inches for December. According to Melissa Griffin, South Carolina’s Assistant State Climatologist for Service, the rainfall during December was so extreme it pushed the annual rainfall total at Jocassee to a level never recorded in South Carolina. The Jocassee 8 WNW National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station located at the Walhalla Fish Hatchery received a soaking 17.25 inches of rain in December 2018, pushing their annual total to a record-breaking 123.45 inches. This value would surpass the previous record of 119.16 inches set at Hogback Mountain in 1979. While it could be several months before this value is official, the S.C. State Climatology Office says there is supporting evidence that 123.45 inches will be the new South Carolina annual rainfall record. Griffin commented, “The 123.45 inches is a staggering 37.69 inches above their normal annual rainfall. It wasn’t one big event or even one big month, but an overall pattern of much above normal rainfall throughout the year. By February 2018 they had already accumulated over 21 inches of rain. The 17.74 inches received in May did set a new record for their wettest May. They also had excessive rainfall in July, August, November and December.