No rain this past week, and the US Drought Monitor now shows our area on the edge of D-2 (Severe Drought) and D-3 (Extreme Drought). SC Forestry app shows 57 wildfires across the state. Wateree River at US 76/378 W of Sumter is very low, with multiple dead trees showing on the bottom. The Congaree River at I-77 S of Columbia is also very low, with multiple sandbars visible in the middle of the river. No boats noted on either river on Mon, Wed or today possibly due to the low water levels causing navigation hazards. Mosquitos are out, but still not in great numbers yet. Birds and squirrels still rapidly emptying the feeders. Local non-irrigated lawns now showing bare ground in dead spots. Many fields have large brown swaths through them. Roadside vegetation dry and brown. Our River Birch are dropping green leaves. No mandatory or voluntary water use restrictions in effect, so still not calling it “Severely Dry”, but am sure people are conserving well water on their own without being told. No words on where the current water table level is, but expect that it’s a bit lower than normal. Haven’t been to Lee State Park recently, but am curious about how their local artesian wells are flowing. Possible rain in the coming week, but will take a bit to replenish the low water levels. While visiting the Smoky Mountains 2 weeks ago, their stream levels were significantly lower than past years. From Data Explorer: Weekly Precip: 0”; May Precip: 0.06” (-1.93”/24% NOAA normal); Yearly Precip: 6.71” (-9.49”/41% NOAA normal). Last 30 days: 0.67” (NOAA normal: 6.71”). Last 90 days: 3.52” (NOAA normal: 13.62”).