Wilmington, NC – Eastern North and South Carolina saw an unusually cool and dry September, with some cities marking their coolest monthly averages in nearly two decades, according to the National Weather Service Wilmington.
The monthly climate summary shows temperatures ran 1 to 2 degrees below normal across Wilmington, Florence, North Myrtle Beach, and Lumberton. Wilmington recorded its coolest September average temperature since 2009, while North Myrtle Beach had its lowest since 2006. Florence saw the most number of nights below 65°F since 2003.
Rainfall totals also dropped sharply. Wilmington picked up just 4.81 inches of rain—3.88 inches below average. Lumberton was even drier with only 1.74 inches, making it the driest September since 2007. Florence and North Myrtle Beach also reported rainfall deficits of nearly 2 inches.
Even late-month storms failed to reverse the trend. “Not even rain associated with a stalled front and Tropical Storm Imelda offshore (Sept. 26–30) could make up for a very dry start to September,” the NWS said in its report.
Looking ahead, meteorologists say the ongoing dry conditions could increase drought concerns heading into October, particularly if rainfall remains below average.
