Charleston, SC – May 2025 brought summer-like warmth and excessive rainfall to the coastal Southeast, with Savannah recording its third-wettest May on record at over 10 inches of rain.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, Savannah clocked 10.14 inches of rainfall—6.52 inches above normal—along with an average temperature of 76.8°F, which is 2.7° warmer than usual. North Charleston also saw abnormal precipitation, measuring 7.39 inches (4.07″ above normal), while Downtown Charleston logged 6.01 inches—3.43 inches above its typical May average.
The consistent downpours led to minor urban flooding in low-lying areas and delayed several local events during Memorial Day weekend. Residents in Chatham, Charleston, and Berkeley counties faced swollen creeks and saturated yards, though no major storm system was to blame—just frequent moisture surges off the Atlantic combined with warmer-than-average temperatures.
Officials recommend clearing storm drains, checking home sump pumps, and preparing for more humid conditions as summer ramps up. While not record-breaking across all cities, the rainfall totals signal an early start to the Southeast’s rainy season.
More updates are expected in the June climate report, especially as the region enters peak tropical season in late summer.
