Drought Deepens for Upstate

Sunny, dry days over the past month have deepened the drought status in Upstate South Carolina.  Much of the Southeast remains in drought, and now, the South Carolina Drought Response Committee has raised the state’s drought status, placing much of the western Upstate in a “severe” drought, with the rest of the Upstate in a “moderate” drought. Levels on Lake Hartwell remain just short of a foot below what is expected in mid-December and Lakes Keowee and Jocassee remain lower than normal.  Bottom line, rain is desperately needed throughout the area this winter to avoid larger water issues once spring and summer arrive. The winter outlook from the National Weather Service is currently calling for “near-normal” precipitation for the Upstate.