The first level of drought

Cool, but dry sunny days are hailed by local residents.  But coupled with pleasant fall weather is the concern for a lack of rainfall.  The state committee that monitors conditions has placed 23 counties — including Oconee, Anderson and Pickens — as incipient drought counties.  Much of the northern half of the state is experiencing mild drought conditions.  As designated by law, incipient is the first level of drought followed by moderate, severe and extreme.  Low streamflows, forest fire concerns and below normal topsoil and subsoil moisture are the primary considerations for the drought declaration.  Thirty-day rain measurements in both Seneca and Clemson were around 1.5″. The dry weather has negatively impacted agriculture.  Representatives in many of the counties note pastures are dry, and some producers are feeding hay to livestock.