Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, May 18th - 24th - Polk County, NC

Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted on May 24th by observer with station number NC-PK-16.  We chose this report because it details the effects of drier weather. We want to highlight this report to remind everyone that summer in the Carolinas tends to bring drier weather though some forecasters are predicting a wet summer this year.  Either way, current precipitation patterns associated with spring may change as summer closes in.  This report does a wonderful job of noting the changes that are already occurring.  Please be on the lookout for changes in weather and weather impacts and be sure to include them in your reports. Way to go NC-PK-16!

Categories
Agriculture 
Plants and Wildlife 

This month continues to be dry, though we received 0.36 inches of rain this week. The topsoil is dry. Some areas of fields that have bare soil exposed have small cracks in the ground. Grass is not growing much and has an overall light green to slight yellow color. We did mow once this week to spread the seed heads. We irrigated our nut orchard twice this past week and watered our small fruit tree orchard once. Additionally, we watered our vegetable fields twice. More Japanese beetles are appearing, though not in great swarms yet. We have not had problems with our well.

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, May 11th - 17th - Aiken County, SC

Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted on May 16th by observer with station number SC-AK-4 in Richland County, SC.  We appreciate how this observer maintains records of rainfall at their location and compares their monthly totals to monthly averages. Long-term weather observations allow us to calculate monthly averages.  Overtime, we will be able to calculate monthly averages at your location in order to compare current events with past trends.  This will help us to see the bigger and more detailed picture of climate trends and variability at your location and in your community.  However, this cannot be done without long-term regular reporting of precipitation and weather impacts.  Therefore, we encourage all observers to submit daily precipitation and weekly condition monitoring reports.  Thank you for for showing the value of long-term reporting, SC-AK-4!


After two consecutive months of cloudy rainy weather for the months of March and April, there finally was a two week period starting the beginning of the month of May with bright sunny days consecutively. Total rainfall in March was 3.12" and total rainfall in April was 3.60". March rainfall was actually below average. Normal rainfall is 4.17" and April rainfall was above average. Normal is 2.83". Today was the 1st day with measured precipitation for the month of May. Today a thundershower developed and dropped 0.10". I was happy to get a break from watering my tomato plants. Other plants that are blooming flowers now are magnolia's, jasmine, amarillo's, & gardenia's. Tomato plants were one inch tall when I planted them 3 weeks ago. This week they are about a foot tall and my cherry tomato plant has yellow flowers on it, and my better boy tomato has flowers on it as well. Despite the lack of rainfall for the past two weeks, leaves still look bright and green in all of the trees.

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, May 4th - 10th - Wake County, NC

Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted on May 4th by observer with station number NC-WK-31 in Wake County, NC.  We chose this report because of the diversity and quality of information it provides.  Not only does the observer include information about impacts at their household and yard, they also let us know what's going on in their community.  They also do a great job of identifying who and what is being impacted such as certain plant and animal species and human activities.  Please take a moment to read this excellent report.  Perhaps it may inspire some ideas about what you can include in your own reports.  Great job NC-WK-31!!!

Categories
Agriculture
Energy
Plants and Wildlife
Society and Public Health
Tourism and Recreation

Rainfall over the week was only .52 of an inch, although four days were impacted by weather events. High winds added to ground surface drying. Immediately located agriculture - fields are still not being planted at this time. We have a ditch that is over 4 feet deep - there is still water standing at the bottom of this ditch, however, even rain events have not hampered planting of garden or flowers. All trees are now leafed out. Sadly, the Nellie R Steven flowers were impacted by a freeze last month, so there are only a few flowers - the Savannah and Foster hollies are starting to show signs of flowers to come. Birds not previously noticed but now identified on our property include Thrasher, and Blue Grosbeak. The Blue Jays are flying in pairs; and the cowbirds are still making pests of themselves. Red Crimson clover is nearly finished blooming - although all types of bees are still foraging on it. White clover is now abundant. It appears that the privet is about to bloom; the "red-tips" are in the last week of their bloom. Last week was very cool, and wet, and chilly with the wind. This week the temps are warming into the 80's daytime, and low 50's at night. Grasses are growing well. Spring festivals and public events were slightly impacted by heavy rainfall on Friday, but the weekend was perfect for all of them ( BBQ, Strawberry Festivals ) Pollen levels are being reported as still on the higher end of the spectrum, but it is not as noticeable as it was just 2 weeks ago. Low energy usage on a/c or heat ( needed to use heat last week).

Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, April 27th - May 3rd - Beaufort County, SC

Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted on April 29th by observer with station number SC-BF-40 in Beaufort County, South Carolina.  In their report, they discuss the impacts of abundant precipitation which many Carolinians have experienced over the last few weeks.  This is important information because it helps us understand the effects of wet conditions in addition to dryness. Learning about many impacts weather helps us establish an understanding of normal conditions at specific locations.  Once we know what "normal" looks like across various communities in the Carolinas, we can better distinguish between levels of wetness, dryness and related impacts.  So we encourage all observers to discuss the impacts of dry and wet condition as well as how "normal" looks at your location.  Great job SC-BF-40!  Keep up the good work.


The heavy, compact rains and cool temperatures are having an affect on our garden. Everything is late, and growth is minimal. Lettuce, peas & basil are quite late. Tomato plants are struggling. String beans seem to be the only veggie doing okay.