2024 Weather Review: Temperature Records and Weather Extremes in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee
In 2024, the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions experienced varied rainfall and record temperatures, with cities like Florence and Lumberton exceeding averages. Despite notable droughts, precipitation levels were close to historical norms, while the growing season reached record lengths. Significant weather events included a tornado outbreak and multiple tropical storms, marking a year of extreme weather impacts in the region.
In 2024, the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions experienced varied rainfall patterns, with cities such as Florence and Lumberton above average while Myrtle Beach recorded a drier than usual year. Despite significant droughts and rain events earlier in the year, total precipitation remained close to historical norms. Notably, average temperatures in the region were among the highest on record, with Lumberton tying for the hottest year since 1903.
Myrtle Beach recorded 12 days reaching temperatures of 90 degrees or more, which is nine days fewer than the average, yet had many notably warmer nights. Additionally, there were only 20 days with temperatures below freezing, a decrease of 14 days compared to the average. In contrast, Florence recorded 85 days at or above 90 degrees, exceeding the average by 15 days, while Lumberton saw 76 such days, surpassing its average by nine days. Both Myrtle Beach and Florence experienced record-length growing seasons.
Significant weather events marked the year, including a tornado outbreak in May, an extreme summer drought during June and July, and various tropical disturbances such as Tropical Storm Debby and an unnamed tropical low that caused flooding near Cape Fear. Furthermore, Hurricane Helene posed a significant threat, resulting in devastating impacts on North Carolina’s mountainous regions, followed by another round of substantial drought in October. As the region enters 2025, it exhibits chilly and predominantly dry conditions, leaving the potential weather patterns of the new year uncertain.
The article discusses the weather patterns and events in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee areas throughout 2024, highlighting the variations in rainfall, temperature records, and significant weather occurrences that have impacted the region. It provides a detailed overview of how these factors have contributed to record-breaking climate data while acknowledging both the atypical warmth experienced and the extremes of drought and significant storm events.
In summary, the year 2024 was marked by significant weather patterns, including above average temperatures and varying rainfall across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions. The record warm temperatures and unusual droughts, coupled with notable weather events, have highlighted the changing climate dynamics. As the region bids farewell to 2024, it prepares for the uncertainties that 2025 may bring with its chilly and mostly dry beginnings.
Original Source: wpde.com
