While we had 0.75” rain on 22 Aug, the US Drought Monitor still has us in a “D1-Moderate Drought” condition. Per SC Forestry app - 17 wildfires scattered across the state. The Wateree River at US 76/378 between Sumter and Columbia was so low as to reveal sandbars in the middle of the river on 20 Aug. The “Healing Well” artesian well N of Bishopville across the Lynches river is running again (see photo), but the stream is only dime sized. The artesian wells in Lee State Park are flowing, but barely. The Loop road swamp in the park is mostly dry except for a few small pools. The Lynches river running through the park by the Loop road is down 2-3 feet (see photo). Mosquitos and the yellow biting flies are terrible. At Poinsett State Park on 20 Aug the small cascade waterfall was running very low (see photo). Small streams in the park were either dry (see photo) or running low. The main spillway was mostly dry. Mosquitos and yellow biting flies were terrible here, same as Lee State Park. There were many spiders on their webs to help take care of the flying pests. There were many brown poplar and brown/yellow wild grape leaves on the ground. Also quite a few ripe wild grapes, a month or two earlier than the past couple years. Quite a few blue tailed skinks and anoles were present, as well as many squirrels. Also quite a few mushrooms around. Near home in Sumter local cornfields are showing quite a few brown stalks among the green, with some appearing totally dead. Local non irrigated lawns still haven’t recovered and are brown/grey/crunchy with noticeable bare spots. We’ve had storms nearby, but they don’t seem to drop much rain. For the past week: 0.75” rain, all in one afternoon. From Data Explorer: August precip: 4.88” (+0.89" : 122% of NOAA Normal). Yearly precip: 19.47” (-11.74" : 62% of NOAA Normal). Last 30 days: 4.93” (NOAA normal: 10.39”). Last 90 days: 11.05” NOAA normal:18.70”). It’s been really hot and dry here. SC relief agencies and municipalities have been opening cooling shelters to assist the population. The electric grid is under some strain to supply HVAC needs.