Still “Moderately Dry here”. 0.18” rain this week. Last previous measurable rain was 22 Aug. While Aug rain is near normal, it only happens in short bursts with a lot of dry time in between. US Drought Monitor still has our area in a “D1-Moderate Drought”, but closely sandwiched between “D0-Abnormally Dry” and “D2-Severe Drought” areas. 17 wildfires across SC per SC Forestry app. Both the Wateree River at US 76/378 between Sumter and Columbia and the Congaree River at I-77 S of Columbia are low enough that sandbars are visible in the middle of the rivers. Local non irrigated lawns still dry, brown and crunchy with some bare spots. Still seeing widespread dying small bushes and even the lower limbs of some larger trees along roadsides. Local fields showing stress from the recent high temps combined with the dry conditions. Lots of fire ant activity. Local SC DES Groundwater Monitoring Wells have shown a 2-10 foot water level drop since early 2026. Squirrels and birds still active around the house, and always happy for free food from the feeders. Hummingbirds still busy at their feeders. From Data Explorer shows about normal precip for the last 30 days, but is still showing about a 6-1/2” deficit for the last 90 days, with an almost 13” precip deficit for the year. Data Explorer: August precip: 5.06” (-0.09" : 98% of NOAA Normal). Yearly precip: 19.65” (-12.72" : 61% of NOAA Normal). Last 30 days: 5.06” (NOAA normal: 5.15”). Last 90 days: 8.74” (NOAA normal: 15.14”). At least the heavy heat has lessened for the past week.