The Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in South Carolina Was a Sizzling Nightmare

The Climate of South Carolina

South Carolina is a southeastern coastal state in the United States, which is bordered to the east by the Atlantic Ocean and the state of Georgia to the south and southwest, and North Carolina to the north. The geography of South Carolina is often divided into three major geographic regions: the Atlantic coastal plain region, the Piedmont region, and the Blue Ridge Mountain region. Alternatively, it is sometimes divided into four regions: Upstate, Midlands, Low Country, and Pee Dee. These areas are based on elevation and general temperature and precipitation trends shared in each area.

Despite being a relatively small state, South Carolina has a fairly diverse climate. Overall, the majority of South Carolina has a humid, subtropical climate. Parts of Upstate South Carolina, in the mountains, have a subtropical highland climate with fewer tropical features. 

South Carolina’s climate is impacted significantly by the Atlantic Ocean and its Gulf Stream, the Appalachian Mountains that block cold air and contribute to mild winters, and low elevation that is almost entirely less than 1,000 feet above sea level. 

South Carolina’s average annual temperature ranges from the mid-50s in the Upstate region to the low 60s in the coastal areas. In a typical summer, the average temperatures can be as low as the high 60s in the Upstate to the mid-70s in the low country, with the temperature highs in the 100s. South Carolina is often humid, though the humidity varies throughout the seasons and even over the course of a day. The summer humidity levels do tend to be higher than during other times of the year due to southerly winds.

The Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in South Carolina

The highest recorded temperature in South Carolina history was in Richland County on June 29, 2012. This all-time high was on the University of South Carolina’s campus, where the on-campus station recorded the scorching 113-degree day. This record beat the previous high of 111 degrees, which had been recorded in September 1925 and September 1954. The hottest day came during a heatwave that occurred throughout June and July 2012.

While South Carolina has recorded other high temperatures, including 109, 110, and 111 degrees Fahrenheit, none has surpassed the record set in June 2012.

The History of Richland County, South Carolina

Richland County, South Carolina is the second-largest county in South Carolina, second only to Greenville County. Richland County’s county seat is the state capital, Columbia, which is also the county’s largest city. There were several other cities in Richland County, including Arcadia Lakes, Blythewood, Cayce, Columbia, Eastover, Forest Acres, and Irmo. 

The county likely gained its name for the area’s “rich” land. At its founding, South Carolina’s economy included many plantations and cotton-farming agriculture. Today, Richland County is home to the state capital, Columbia. Richland County also contains the main campus of the state’s flagship university, the University of South Carolina. Since its founding in 1801 as South Carolina College, the University of South Carolina has become a foremost research institution offering hundreds of degree programs and enrolling more than 35,000 students at the campus in Columbia.

Ecology and Wildlife in Richland County

Richland County, where the hottest temperature in South Carolina was recorded consists of diverse ecosystems. There are forests, rivers, and swamps.  

The Columbia area is a significant wildlife habitat and home to hundreds of species. In fact, some Certified Community Wildlife Habitats in Columbia are the University of South Carolina, Harbison State Forest, Riverbanks Zoo, Mast General Store, Stormwater Studios, Palmetto Experience, Rosewood Market, and Forest Lake Presbyterian Church.

In Columbia’s forests, waterways, and parks, grassy parks, you may see all kinds of creatures. Don’t be surprised if you see an American alligator along the Columbia Riverwalk and watch out for migrating birds. Let’s discuss some of the main groups of animals you could see in South Carolina.

Reptiles

In addition to the alligators that might swim the rivers and waterways of Columbia, other reptiles in the area include many species of turtles, both venomous and non-venomous snakes, and amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. In fact, South Carolina is home to over 140 species of native reptiles and amphibians. Look out for 38 snake species, including six which are venomous. Among the most commonly-seen snake species are black racers, brown snakes, corn snakes, Eastern garter snakes, Eastern kingsnakes, and rat snakes. You can feel lucky if you see a spotted turtle or one of the other native turtle species in the state, as several of these are on the endangered list or at-risk species list in Richland County, alongside many unique amphibians.

Mammals

In addition to reptiles, you may also see numerous mammals. The list of mammals in South Carolina includes river otters, deer, raccoons, squirrels, gray foxes, long-tailed weasels, black bears, beavers, coyotes, muskrats, wild hogs, and more. In 1972, the whitetail deer was designated the state animal of South Carolina, so watch out for these graceful creatures too! They are plentiful throughout the forests and wooded areas of the state all year long, so keep an eye out.

Birds

When it comes to birds, over 120 species nest in South Carolina. In addition to that, over 100 species have been regularly observed in South Carolina though not recorded officially in recent years. Look out for common species. These include the Baltimore oriole, blue jay, brown thrasher, Carolina wren, common grackle, downy woodpecker, house finch, northern cardinal, and painted bunting.

Species of Concern

South Carolina’s species of concern or endangered wildlife vary by county. In Richland County, where the hottest temperature in South Carolina history was recorded, there are 209 species tracked. These include the shortnose sturgeon, northern cricket frog, white catfish, great egret, silver fork cane moth, red-shouldered hawk, American bumble bee, spotted turtle, northern painted turtle, pygmy sunfish, bald eagle, Seminole bat, and dozens of other insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

Animals that Thrive in Heat

Some of the creatures listed above can survive in heat or temporary temperature spikes. However, many will not thrive in heat waves. Reptiles, such as some turtle and snake species, are well-suited to hot sunny days. Larger mammals can cope relatively well with heat. However, birds, amphibians, and fish that depend on water can suffer in periods of extreme heat or drought. 

 Things to Do in Richland County

Visit the area that once had the hottest temperature in South Carolina! You could look for birds by the riverwalk in Columbia. Perhaps you explore the University of South Carolina’s many schools and vast grounds. Or perhaps you want to visit the South Carolina State Museum or take a trip to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Whatever you stle, there is plenty to do in Columbia and the broader Richland County. Here are a few attractions to consider:

• Visit historic sites in Historic Columbia, tour old mansions and gardens from early Columbia residents, learn local history at the National Registrar of Historic Places South Carolina State Museum, or take a neighborhood tour of Arsenal Hill.
• Tour museums such as the National Medal award-winning art museum, the largest children’s museum in the Southeastern United States, or others. You will find that there are plenty of ways you can explore science, art, and history in Columbia.
• Purchase the CulturePASS to gain discounted admission to multiple art and cultural attractions.