Drought in Chester, South Carolina

A protracted period of abnormally dry weather that began in autumn of 2025 and continued through the winter culminated in extreme drought conditions across much of upstate South Carolina by early spring. Monthly precipitation was anywhere from 25 percent to 75 percent of normal for seven consecutive months beginning in September 2025. The September through March period was one of the top 5 driest on record across much of the area. Portions of the Piedmont saw their driest September-through-March on record. Unusually warm weather in March and April of 2026 further contributed to evolving drought conditions. Both months were among the top 5 warmest on record at most major climate sites across the region. By early April, streamflow across the region was 25 to 50 percent of normal. Soil moisture levels were extremely low and only poor-to-fair crop conditions were reported during the critical spring planting period. Despite the very warm and dry conditions, occurrence of large wildfires was limited, likely due to a statewide burn ban that was instituted in late March.