Rainfall eases drought conditions in some SC counties

SCDNR drought map for February 2025 (Credit: SCDNR)

(WPDE) — Portions of South Carolina received above normal rainfall levels in February, lifting six counties out of drought conditions.

Due to the increased rain, wildfire occurrences were lowered, and streamflow levels improved. This allowed the S.C. Drought Response Committee to remove the drought declaration for several counties in South Carolina.

Several counties still remain in incipient drought conditions, which is the lowest level on the scale.

Since the central drought management areas did not have enough representatives for the vote, the status in those given counties remained the same.

Less rainfall in the northeast and southern areas resulted in lower streamflow levels and groundwater levels remaining below normal.

Wildfire activity tends to increase across the state this time of year due to grass, leaves and brush being dried out, according to the S.C. Forestry Commission.