SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Charleston Harbor Marina, would be a great place to dock your boat to watch the Patriots Point fireworks. Charleston Harbor Marina sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36.
Good afternoon Charleston HSC,
Please find attached MSIB 09-26 for the North Charleston and Patriots Point Fireworks Events. The event details are as follows:
North Charleston Fireworks – On July 4, 2026 (or a rain date of July 5), from 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. all waters within a 100-yard radius of the barge, from which fireworks will be launched on the Cooper River near River Front Park in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Patriots Point Fireworks – On July 4, 2026 (or a rain date of July 5), from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. all waters within a 500-yard radius of the barge, from which fireworks will be launched on the Cooper River near the USS YORKTOWN in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
These safety zones are necessary to protect vessels, spectators, and the general public during the events. During the enforcement periods listed above, no person or vessel may enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the designated area unless authorized by the COTP Charleston or a designated representative.
Waterway users are reminded to use caution while transiting Charleston Harbor, remaining mindful of dredging operations, commercial vessel traffic, and higher than normal recreational vessel traffic during this extended holiday weekend.
For questions or concerns regarding this MSIB, please contact the Sector Charleston 24-hour Command Center at (833) 453-1261.
Very respectfully,
LT Nicholas Jones WWM Division Chief USCG Sector Charleston Nicholas.J.Jones@uscg.mil O: 843-740-3184 C: 843-323-7761
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Charleston Harbor Marina, would be a great place to dock you boat to watch this Drone Show. Charleston Harbor Marina sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36.
Please find attached the Marine Safety Information Bulletin for the upcoming SKYWORX Drone Show. Charleston SC250 will host a drone show on June 26 and June 27, 2026. A safety zone, encompassing a 400’ by 700’ area around the drone show box will be enforced for the duration of the show, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on June 26th and from 9:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on June 27th.
During the enforcement period listed above, no person or vessel may enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the designated area unless authorized by the COTP Charleston or a designated representative.
Waterway users are reminded to use caution while transiting Charleston Harbor, remaining mindful of dredging operations, commercial vessel traffic, and higher than normal recreational vessel traffic during this holiday weekend.
For questions or concerns regarding this MSIB, please contact the Sector Charleston 24-hour Command Center at (833) 453-1261.
Very respectfully,
LT Nicholas Jones WWM Division Chief USCG Sector Charleston Nicholas.J.Jones@uscg.mil O: 843-740-3184 C: 843-323-7761
Thanks to Chris Carroll of Harborwalk Marina for this information regarding the dredging of Georgetown Harbor.
Harborwalk Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is only a boardwalk stroll away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food, and shopping. Harborwalk Marina is the third marina on your starboard side as you enter the very protected waters of Georgetown.
Equipment Arriving for Georgetown Harbor Dredging
Scott Harper/GAB News•
23 hours ago
Expect to see dredging equipment start to arrive in the Georgetown Harbor by the end of the week as preparations get underway for the long awaited dredging project to begin.The goal of the project – the first of its kind in nearly two decades – is to restore the harbor to a depth of 12 feet.
Sonja Carter, Army Corps of Engineers project manager, addressed Georgetown County Council Tuesday night. She said the dredging is needed so recreational and commercial vessels can get to the downtown area. She said the areas to be dredged will be along the Harborwalk and the steel mill channel.It is also needed as the redevelopment of the port and the steel mill properties takes place.Carter said a total of 560,000 cubic yards of material is expected to be removed during the project, which is expected to begin in mid-July and end by the end of August or early September. “We expect it to take 6-8 weeks and then we will be out of your harbor,” she said. She said the dredging will take place around the clock. “You will hear noise and see the equipment,” she said, adding the channel is expected to be passable for boats during the entire project. Carter said a study conducted showed there will be no significant impact to the environment as a result of the project. “All environmental compliance will be followed,” Carter said. The Army Corps has not maintained the harbor dredging since 2008. That has resulted in sediment buildup reducing the depth of the channel to around 2 feet in many areas. Congress appropriated $6.5 million in 2024 for the harbor restoration project.
Arthur’s remnants will bring a risk for locally damaging wind, isolated tornadoes and flooding rain to South Carolina tonight.
The damaging wind and tornado risk is greatest over the area between I-20 and I-85, and minor wind damage could be widespread in this area. However, a risk will be present over the entire state.
The risk of flooding rain is greatest over the northwestern quadrant of the state, but isolated flash flooding is possible elsewhere.
Behind the storm, the weekend is looking mainly rain-free, except for a chance for a shower and thunderstorm over the southern Lowcountry Saturday and stray afternoon thunderstorms over the Upstate on Sunday.
Arthur’s remnants, at press time centered close to Phil Robertson’s backyard, are heading east-northeastward and will cross South Carolina tonight and early Friday. Flooding rain, strong winds and isolated tornadoes are all threats as it moves through.
A loop of visible satellite imagery shows a big blob of clouds tracking eastward over the Southeast associated with the remnants of Arthur.
Image Source: University of Wisconsin RealEarth
Ahead of Arthur, a weak warm front will trigger showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening in the soupy air mass present over the Palmetto State. Stronger storms can cause locally damaging winds. Hail and tornado risks will be minimal through early evening with these thunderstorms.
MRMS weather radar composite shows thunderstorms affecting the Coastal Plain and more storms moving in from Georgia.
Image Source: WeatherBELL
Arthur’s remnants will arrive over the western Upstate this evening and rake across the state through the night and exit offshore by around 10 a.m. Friday. There remains some uncertainty about where the heaviest rain will fall, which areas will be hit by the strongest winds, and which areas will be subject to a tornado threat. The expected storm track has shifted slightly northward today, bringing the zone of greatest concern for damaging wind and tornadoes to areas along and between I-20 and I-85.
The Storm Prediction Center’s Day 1 (through tonight) Severe Weather Outlook graphic for South Carolina has the entire state covered with a band of level 2 of 5 between I-20 and I-85 due to an elevated tornado and wind risk for that area.
The risk of excessive rainfall and resulting flash flooding covers the entire state, but the quadrant roughly between I-20 and I-77 is at greatest risk.
Rainfall over the Upstate and vicinity through early Saturday will generally be 1-3 inches, with local totals of 4-5 inches. The I-20 Corridor is looking at 1-2 inches, locally up to 3 inches. Over the Coastal Plain, the forecast is for generally half an inch to an inch; locally, up to 2 inches is possible. This will put another nice dent in our drought, especially in the Upstate.
The rainfall forecast from the Weather Prediction Center for now through 2 p.m. Saturday shows a major soaking over the Upstate and vicinity.
Image Source: WeatherBELL
Behind Arthur, a cold front will move through later Friday into Friday evening. It will trigger scattered showers and thunderstorms; a locally severe storm with damaging wind can’t be ruled out.
Behind all this mess, Saturday looks to be a nice day for most of the state for mid-June with lower humidity. The exception will be the southernmost part of the state; the cold front turns stationary over or just south of the Lowcountry, so that area has a chance of showers or thunderstorms. Sunday looks hotter and more humid with a pop-up thunderstorm possible over the Upstate — more typical summer weather for the start of astronomical summer (summer starts June 1 in every meteorologist’s mind) and Father’s Day.
Get ready for impacts tonight by reviewing severe storm and tornado safety tips and flooding safety tips. A tornado threat coming in the middle of the night is always problematic; be sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings that will wake you up.
Again, think of this as a tropical warning shot; take some time to get your hurricane prep work done. If you need help with that, visit hurricane.sc.
Frank Strait Severe Weather Liaison S.C. State Climate Office
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 260 D. Epting Lane West Columbia, SC, 29172
Here’s a sneak peek of the July-August 2026 cover of South Carolina Wildlife magazine. A scenic avenue at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area photographed by SCW Editor Cindy Thompson
Don’t miss the July-August edition
of South Carolina Wildlife magazine!
In this edition of SCW’s “Palmetto Portraits,” photographer Phillip Jones captures breathtaking images along picturesque side roads that weave all the way from the capital city of Columbia to the Atlantic Ocean. At the end of the trip, Jones enjoyed this glorious sunset at Cherry Grove Pier! Photo by Phillip Jones
The summer issue of South Carolina Wildlifemagazine is geared toward all ages and outdoor interests! Articles featured in this issue:
“Reconnecting” College students reconnect with nature on the Palmetto Trail
“Fishing with a Ghost” An angler witnesses a unique blue ghost firefly display after a day of fly fishing
“Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle” Working to protect South Carolina’s native black bass population, as the non-native Alabama bass species threatens to overtake local aquatic habitats.
“When the Rain Stops” State Climatology Staff explain different types of drought
“Conserving South Carolina’s Crayfishes” Our state is home to a large number of crayfish species, and their habitats are of critical importance.
“Palmetto Portraits” Side Road to Paradise
“Dabbling” Reflections on dabbling for fish
“Wildlife on Your Land: Changes” A surprising then-and-now look at a Carolina landscape
“Beauty within the Beast” The beauty of wildlife in a flower garden
“Wilds and Waters: the Bluegill”
“Conservation Corner” Local farmers reflect on their connections to the Conservation Districts of S.C. . . . and more!
“Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle,” featured in the summer issue of SCW magazine, focuses on the importance of protecting populations of our state’s native black bass species and breaks down the approach to support native populations.
Protecting South Carolina’s Native Bass
The following is an excerpt from the article “Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle,” written by Terry Madewell. The full article will be featured in the South Carolina Wildlife July-August issue.
Click to view the documentary video “Protecting Our Native Bass,” which accompanies this article. (Produced by SCDNR photographer Allison DeVore; featured on SCNaturalResources YouTube)
Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle by Terry Madewell. Photos by Danielle Kent.
Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle
SCW feature article by Terry Madewell Photos and documentary video by Allison DeVore and Danielle Kent
During the early 2000s, an elite bass fishery found at Lake Wylie lured the Bassmaster Classic to host leading tournament bass anglers to battle for the title of Champion. The lake hosted a thrilling tournament in 2004, and all was well in this bass-fishing world.
Concurrently, during those years, a nonnative species of bass was being illegally transported under the radar from Alabama waters into South Carolina river systems and lakes. Astounding disruptions within South Carolina’s native aquatic ecosystems would soon follow.
SCDNR freshwater fisheries staff sample and survey lake reservoirs to monitor populations of bass species that are present. Photo by Allison DeVore
Upsetting the Balance of a Native Ecosystem
Lake Wylie is the uppermost lake in the Catawba River system in South Carolina. First created in 1904 by a dam near Fort Mill, Lake Wylie is one of the oldest reservoirs in South Carolina. The SCDNR manages the lake for recreational fishing and maintains multiple fish attractors. Popular sport fish of Lake Wylie include largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. The SCDNR monitors these species on a regular basis to maintain a healthy population.
Healthy populations of largemouth bass once existed at Lake Wylie, producing an elite-level fishery for decades, until illegal transportation of fish occurred, sabotaging the native black bass fishery and the natural harmony of this ecosystem. Lake Wylie was invaded by an aggressive predator that now sits at the top of the chain: the Alabama bass.
Alabama bass are quickly overtaking Lake Wylie waters, resulting in increased competition with native largemouth bass. Photos by Danielle Kent
Preston Chrisman is the Freshwater Fisheries Coordinator for Region Two of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and Chairman of the Black Bass Working Group. He and this SCDNR team are leading efforts to combat the unwelcome spread of this species into the Catawba River system.
“Often referred to by anglers as Spotted bass, the Alabama bass became a specific, named species of black bass in 2008,” Chrisman said. “When introduced into non-native fisheries, the invasive species rapidly overruns the native bass population to the point of dominance. At Lake Wylie, the native largemouth are losing the battle.”
According to Chrisman, “Alabama bass are typically smaller than the largemouth bass, seldom reaching trophy sizes. Over time, their population explodes, and their growth rates decline when their numbers stabilize,” he said. “Eventually, competition and pressure on forage produce smaller versions of the invasive species, with most in the one-to-three-pound class.”
SCDNR Freshwater fisheries staff encourage anglers to learn characteristics of native black bass vs. Alabama bass. Native largemouth bass (top) compared to non-native Alabama bass (bottom). Photo courtesy SCDNR
In his article, “Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle,” Terry Madewell underscores that the SCDNR will not allow the native black bass fisheries to slip quietly into the night without a fight, but it is an ongoing, long-term battle.
“We’re initiating an experimental black bass stocking program on Lake Wylie in 2027,” Chrisman said. “The goal is to stock 150,000 fingerling largemouth bass into Lake Wylie, and to repeat the stockings for at least three consecutive years.” … “Our goal is that anglers will catch more five-pound largemouth rather than three-pounders.”
“Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle” by Terry Madewell will be featured in the July-August 2026 edition of South Carolina Wildlife magazine.
South Carolina’s native black bass vs. non-native Alabama bass
by Preston Chrisman, Freshwater Fisheries Coordinator for Region Two of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and Chairman of the Black Bass Working Group
Alabama Bass (Micropterus henshalli) are native to the Mobile River Basin of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, but have been introduced into waters across the Southeast outside their native range. In South Carolina, Alabama Bass have been illegally introduced into nearly every major river basin in state. The unauthorized spread of invasive Alabama Bass has become a growing conservation concern because they compete with native black bass species for food and habitat and can hybridize with closely related bass, reducing the genetic integrity of native populations. Research from several southeastern states, South Carolina included, has documented declines in Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Bartram’s (Redeye) Bass populations following Alabama Bass introductions, making prevention of further spread an important fisheries management priority.
South Carolina’s native largemouth bass; Photo by Preston Chrisman
(non-native) Alabama bass; Photo by Preston Chrisman
Most anglers believe they are catching the closely related Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus), but all the “spotted” bass in South Carolina have been genetically confirmed to be Alabama Bass. Although Alabama Bass (Micropterus henshalli) and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans) can appear similar, several key features help distinguish the two species. The most noticeable difference is the size of the mouth. In Largemouth Bass, the upper jaw extends well beyond the rear edge of the eye when the mouth is closed, while in Alabama Bass the jaw typically ends near the middle or rear margin of the eye. Alabama Bass also tend to have a broken, blotchy dark stripe along their sides with rows of small dark spots below the lateral line, whereas Largemouth Bass usually display a more solid, continuous horizontal stripe. Another useful characteristic is the tongue: Alabama Bass generally have a small rough tooth patch on the tongue, while Largemouth Bass usually lack this feature. Because coloration can vary among individuals, multiple characteristics should be used together when identifying these species. Additionally, Alabama Bass will hybridize with Smallmouth Bass and Bartram’s Bass, and to a lesser extent with Largemouth Bass, making visual identification even more difficult for anglers of all experience levels.
If you would like to learn more about recreational fishing and the native fish species of South Carolina, please visit https://www.dnr.sc.gov/fishing.html
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
June is the beginning of the summer season in South Carolina with the summer solstice happening on June 21st. The summer solstice marks the longest day, or hours of sunlight during a day, that the Northern Hemisphere will receive in the year. The exact number of hours experienced will depend on the viewer’s exact location, but if you are located within South Carolina you should expect to have just over 14 hours of daylight from sunup to sundown.
We will get to observe some thrilling and exciting changes in wildlife activity this month. Aves, or birds, are active during this time of year. Along the coast, shorebirds may be seen sitting on nests. In places like Botany Bay Heritage Preserve, it may be possible to spot an American oystercatcher in the distance by scanning the dunes for its bright orange beak. Nesting areas may be marked by similarly-colored bright orange tape. Observing shorebirds from a distance, especially during nesting season, is encouraged. This time of year, species like brown pelicans, royal terns, sandwich terns, least terns, black skimmers, and American oystercatchers are settling down atop their nests. These nesting colonies will often be behind some type of barrier where they are being protected as well as monitored by scientists. To get a closer look, I would recommend a good pair of 10 x 42 binoculars or your favorite camera, or even phone with a zoom lens attached. Report your findings to iNaturalist or eBird as well to contribute valuable citizen science data! Maybe if you find a passion in reporting birds you can become one of the famous “listers” — a person who meticulously reports and seeks out different species of birds, or maybe you might find a new “lifer” — or a bird seen by you for the first time in your life.
Nature photography day is June 15th! This day was created by the North American Nature Photography association and highlights the importance of photos in telling a conservation story and in research, as well as the value of it as a nature-based activity that can be enjoyed but all people, equipment and skill level aside. Get outside and explore a new public land, with a camera of any type in hand.
Red-winged blackbird, Photo by Allison DeVore
A note from Allison DeVore SCDNR Photographer and Videographer. “Every shoot brings something new, whether that’s a species I’ve never encountered or a person I’ve never met, and that’s what keeps it interesting. I love getting to tell the stories of SCDNR.” The photo of the red-winged blackbird was taken at Donnelley WMA and is one of Allison’s favorite photos that she has taken.
American Oystercatcher
American Oystercatcher, Photo by Kaitlyn Hackathorn
The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), found in South Carolina, is a shorebird species with a remarkable conservation success story. In 2008, the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coast’s population estimate was 10,000 individuals. Surveys in 2023 counted 14,000 oystercatchers, an increase of 43 percent! As its name suggests, the American oystercatcher primarily feeds on oysters, mussels, clams and other marine invertebrates. Its bill, that is shaped like an oyster knife, allows it to access food sources unavailable to many other shorebirds that lack this specialized oyster opening adaptation. Habitat loss and alteration have long been major challenges for the species. American oystercatchers show strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting beach season after season, despite changes to those habitats over time. Conservation efforts that have contributed to the species’ recovery include habitat management for invasive species, restrictions on disturbance from domestic pets, protective buffers around nesting sites, and the creation and restoration of oyster reefs. This recovery effort has been a collaborative initiative involving state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Although the population has increased, the species still faces ongoing threats such as storms, nest disturbance, and beach erosion and loss. The story of the American oystercatcher, like that of South Carolina’s wildlife as a whole, remains an ongoing one that requires continued attention, collaboration, and support from both environmental institutions and the public.
Looking for a fun activity geared toward kids or a school group? Learn how to make a pinhole camera!
Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary
Deveaux Bank, Photo by Kaitlyn Hackathorn
Please be aware that The S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ (SCDNR) Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary is completely closed March 15-October 15 to protect coastal birds during the nesting season.
Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary was established to protect significant nesting habitat of sea and shorebirds. Located at the mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County, Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary encompasses approximately 215 acres of sandy beaches, vegetated dunes, broad marshes and intertidal shoals. The size of this sanctuary varies, and it may sometimes disappear entirely. The location of Deveaux Bank as an estuarine island was first documented in 1921, and it was documented as a seabird rookery in the 1930s. During World War II, nesting was temporarily interrupted due to the island’s use as a bombing range. Deveaux Bank is part of a dynamic system; it completely subsided in 1980 due to erosion from Hurricane David and then slowly reemerged to provide seabird nesting habitat again in 1983.
Deveaux Bank’s maritime grassland community lives on unstable sand dunes elevated above the highest flood mark. The grassland community is dominated by Russian thistle and marsh hay, which grow along with camphorweed, beach elder, beach tea and dog fennel.
Deveaux Bank supports colonies of nesting waterbirds because of its isolated nature and lack of mammalian predators. Although all species may not nest on the island each year, examples of species that have used the island include brown pelican, least tern, royal tern, black skimmer, gull-billed tern, sandwich tern, common tern, laughing gull, Wilson’s plover, American oystercatcher, willet, great egret, snowy egret, tricolored heron and white ibis.
The colonial nesting behavior of these birds makes them very susceptible to disturbance. Birds are densely packed into breeding sites during the nesting season, rendering the entire rookery susceptible to disruption or destruction. In addition, migratory and wintering shorebirds and seabirds need periods of rest and foraging free from disturbance to survive long journeys and inclement weather. The sand flats and mud flats located in the interior of the island provide feeding and loafing habitat for numerous shorebird species including red knot (federally threatened), piping plover (federally threatened), sanderling, dunlin, short-billed dowitcher, marbled godwits and many others.
In recent years, Deveaux Bank made national headlines as SCDNR biologists discovered the largest known concentration of Hudsonian whimbrels, a rare curlew species, using the site as a nocturnal roost on their spring migration. Due to its critical importance for whimbrels, as well as other migrating shorebirds, Deveaux Bank was designated as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site of international importance in 2024.
SCDNR events often require pre-registration to attend. Please click on the respective links and ensure you are signed up before attending.
Saltwater Fishing Clinics
Many dates and locations are available this month!
These clinics will teach you how to tie knots, rig your rod, how to cast, what bait to use, and what fish you can catch in saltwater! Find all dates and other events at the SCDNR Fishing Outreach Eventbrite.
Freshwater Fishing Clinics
Many dates and locations are available this month!
These clinics will teach you how to tie knots, rig your rod, how to cast, what bait to use, and what fish you can catch in freshwater! Find all dates and other events at the SCDNR Aquatic Education Eventbrite.
Ironclad Anglers Fishing Rodeo, Colonial Lake, Charleston County
Saturday, June 6th, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Come join SCDNR and the City of Charleston for a hero-themed saltwater fishing rodeo at Colonial Lake. Youth 15 and under. Register here
Hikes with a Naturalist, Ashmore HP & WMA, Greenville County
Saturday, June 20th, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Hikes with a Naturalist are introductory explorations into the natural world around us. These hikes will cover topics ranging from local wildlife and fishes to best hiking practices and land management. Register here
Red Snapper 101- Charleston County
Monday, June 29th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Red Snapper 101 will be taught by SCDNR staff, fishing professionals, and Shimano staff. We will go over the new updates, fish ID, and more.
The Red Snapper class goes over the new regulations, reporting system, season, fishing techniques, and fish ID. This class will teach you everything you would want to know about red snapper. Kids from ages 6 to adults are welcome, so come out to Shimano’s classroom and enjoy the class! Register here
About Us:
Conservation Education is a section within SCDNR’s Office of Education, Outreach, and Information. Our goal is to connect South Carolinians and visitors to public lands to help them live life outdoors. Our educational programs offer lessons on wildlife, fisheries, forestry, land management, watersheds, and environmental history.
We remain in a tranquil weather pattern across the Atlantic tropics for now. We have a disturbance in the Gulf that won’t develop before moving into Louisiana, but will bring some rain to the lower and middle Mississippi Valley this weekend. We also have four tropical waves to track. One is over the Caribbean Sea and Colombia (along 75° west), one is near the Lesser Antilles (at 60° west), and the other two are over the tropical Atlantic (near 53° west and near 27° west).
A loop of visible satellite imagery showing the features of interest across the Atlantic tropics. A storm centered northeast of Bermuda will not turn into a tropical cyclone as it moves eastward across the Atlantic.
Image Source: University of Wisconsin RealEarth
The Madden-Julian Oscillation is favorable for tropical cyclone formation over the Atlantic. However, other factors, such as widespread strong vertical wind shear (blame the developing El Niño in the Pacific for that), make further development in the Atlantic unlikely over the next seven days.
Starting about a week from now, the shear may relax enough over the western Caribbean Sea and Gulf that one of the waves now drifting westward over the tropical Atlantic has a chance to develop further once it reaches the area. It’s also possible that a Central American Gyre forms, and we get a development from that, or that the gyre and a tropical wave come together and spawn a tropical cyclone. Everyone’s favorite computer model, “The Euro”, has jumped on the bandwagon of showing a possible development around mid-month. However, it can only be said at this time that development is a reasonable possibility in a week or so. Until a storm develops or we’re sure one is imminent, we can’t say whether South Carolina will be affected.
This is output from the ECMWF Ensemble model indicating the percent chance for a tropical cyclone to be within 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) of a point on the map through the 15-day model run (starting at 8 p.m. Thursday EDT). It gives a user an idea of where tropical cyclones could form and track over the next 15 days. It does not indicate how strong a potential storm could be.
Image Source: WeatherBELL
An alternate scenario is that one of the storms we’ll see develop in the far East Pacific might cross Central America into the Atlantic in a week or so. That’s rare but not unheard of.
The bottom line is that you should be sure you’re ready for anything the hurricane season might throw at you. There’s a chance we’ll have to deal with a storm sooner rather than later. So, get those hurricane kits stocked and have your plan ready. As always, your best source for preparedness information is hurricane.sc.
South Carolina weather highlights for the next week:
High pressure currently overhead keeps us warm to hot and rain-free through this weekend. Humidity will increase as the high shifts eastward and the wind becomes southeasterly. Highs will be mainly in the upper 80s to lower 90s on Saturday, then mainly in the low- to-mid 90s on Sunday.
Along comes a ‘backdoor front’ (moving in from the northeast) on Monday, which will likely become stationary over South Carolina into Tuesday. That will generate mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, which could be spotty. That will ease the heat somewhat, with highs mainly in the upper 80s to lower 90s on Monday, then mid-to-upper 80s on Tuesday.
The front retreats northward after that, putting us in a hot and humid air mass for the end of next week. Afternoon thunderstorms can’t be ruled out, but will be isolated and mainly confined to the Upstate and Coastal Plain. Highs trend up to the low 90s for most of the state by Thursday.
Early signs suggest it could be quite hot next Friday and next weekend, with some 95°+ temperatures possible for our state’s usual hot spots.
Frank Strait Severe Weather Liaison S.C. State Climate Office
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 260 D. Epting Lane West Columbia, SC, 29172
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
American Oystercatcher, Photo by Kaitlyn Hackathorn
Looking for a fun activity geared toward kids or a school group? Learn how to 
SCDNR events often require pre-registration to attend. Please click on the respective links and ensure you are signed up before attending.
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