Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, Pickens County, SC

 Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was emailed to us on February 13th by observer with station number SC-PC-1.  We chose this report because the observer shows how consistent reporting can lead to valuable climate information. This observer has consistently reported precipitation at their location for at least 12 years. As a result, they are able to make calculations that gives decision makers and scientists an understanding of December conditions at their location and how they've changed over the years.  The observer has also kept track of temperatures at their location making this an awesome project that's fun, educational and valuable.  Thanks you SC-PC-1 for showing us the importance of consistent reporting!  Keep up the good work!

Report 
After a very cold start, temperatures rallied during the second half of the month resulting in a very normal month - temperature wise.  Precipitation, too, was about normal at nearly 5 inches.  However our minimum temperature of 8° (Jan 8th) was the second coldest temperature I record since we've lived here (last year's 6° January minimum was our coldest).

No hydrology problems.

Weather Summary for December 2014  (12-year average precip. based on period 2003-2014)

Average Max/Min  52.2° / 30.7°  (mean = 41.4°)    [almost identical to KGSP]

Warmest:             68°  (20th & 21st)

Coldest:                 8°  (8th)

    

Precip.:                 4.91 inches    (0.12" above 12-year average)

YTD precip.:         4.91 inches.   (0.12" above 12-year average)

trailing 12 mos:   50.40 inches    (9.20" below 12-year average)

#days min. =< 32: 16;  season-to-date:  31
#days =>.01" rain:  10
#days w/snow:  0 season-to-date 0     [some sleet pellets mixed with rain during brief shower on Jan. 29.  Temp. was near 50° at that time.]
Thunderstorm days: 0