Dry March Drives Up Watering Needs for Charleston Gardens and Farms

Second-driest March on record leaves landscapes parched, raising costs for residents and farmers

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:40pm

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Charleston, South Carolina is experiencing its second-driest March on record, with less than half an inch of rain so far this month. The dry conditions are putting stress on gardens, lawns, and farms, forcing residents to water more frequently and increasing costs. Meteorologists warn that the lack of rainfall could also impact the upcoming spring and summer storm season, potentially reducing the usual coverage of showers and thunderstorms.

Why it matters

The prolonged dry spell is taking a toll on the local environment, requiring more time and money for residents to maintain their gardens and landscapes. Farmers in the region are also facing challenges, as the lack of moisture in the soil can diminish crop yields and overall agricultural productivity. The dry conditions could have wider implications if they persist into the wetter spring and summer months.

The details

According to Blair Holloway, the Lead Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Charleston, the city has received only 0.37 inches of rain so far in March, putting it on track to be the second-driest March on record. The driest March was in 2004, when just 0.36 inches of rain fell. Holloway notes that the current dry spell is likely due to the ongoing La Niña weather pattern, which typically brings drier-than-normal conditions to the region. However, he says the area may see more rainfall in the coming months as it transitions out of La Niña and into an El Niño pattern.

  • March 2004 was the driest March on record, with 0.36 inches of rain.
  • As of March 31, 2026, Charleston has received only 0.37 inches of rain, putting it on track to be the second-driest March on record.

The players

Blair Holloway

The Lead Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Charleston.

Dawn Lauer

A sales expert with 26 years of experience at W&P Plants, a local plant nursery.

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What they’re saying

“We've had here at the airport less than half an inch of rain so far for the month. That actually puts us on track to be the second driest March on record here.”

— Blair Holloway, Lead Meteorologist, National Weather Service - Charleston

“If there's not enough rain and you notice they're turning yellow and they're dying off. The most important thing is to water them before you go to bed in the evening.”

— Dawn Lauer, Sales Expert, W&P Plants

What’s next

Meteorologists say the region may see more rainfall in the coming months as it transitions out of the La Niña weather pattern and into an El Niño pattern, which typically brings wetter conditions to the area. However, if the dry spell persists into the spring and summer, it could have wider environmental impacts, potentially reducing the usual coverage of showers and thunderstorms.

The takeaway

The second-driest March on record in Charleston is putting a strain on local gardens, lawns, and farms, forcing residents to spend more time and money on watering. While the region may see more rainfall in the coming months, the prolonged dry spell could have lasting effects on the local environment if it continues into the typically wetter spring and summer seasons.