South Carolina One of the Hottest States in 2024

This is surely one of the hottest summers we have ever dealt with. South Carolina and North Carolina are both pretty known for our humidity, but it has been BEYOND hot! I mean for the last few days, I have felt like yikes - can we really breathe out here?

A recent report from U.S. News is showing the 10 hottest states for 2024. Although all temperatures across the country have been increasing, these specific states have grown to quite a high. Now, 2023 was a record-breaking year when it came to heat but it seems 2024 is trying to slowly beat that record. Unfortunately, that means even higher temperatures to come for us.

South Carolina, unfortunately, made the top 10 list as one of the hottest states for this year. It may not be the hottest, but the state did come in at #8. In 2023, the statewide average highest temperature for the state was 75.2 degrees. Although that may not be hot, the state has had some record-breaking numbers in the upper 90s. South Carolina's hottest county according to the report is Beaufort County.

As someone who used to live in the Midlands, the heat rises quite insanely. In a recent news article, the heat index temperatures were expected to be about 108 degrees in the Midlands of South Carolina. Now, that is HOT! Even more crazy, a few weeks ago in the Charleston area, they had a heat advisory suggesting people to be inside for a specific amount of hours throughout the day due to heat. This is the type of weather I would like to stay FAR away from. No wonder I love fall season more!

The South is known for Southern Hospitality and ingrained in that is friendliness. It's just a way of life in many of the cities and towns we love. Especially in the Carolinas. So when I came across this list from Southern Living of the 15 Friendliest Cities in The South, I had a feeling I'd come across some familiar places on the list. And oh did I, not only were 5 North and South Carolina cities named friendliest cities in the South a beloved South Carolina city topped the list.

Yes, that's correct it was a South Carolina city that topped this list. Not only that but of the 15 friendly places on this list 5 were in either North or South Carolina. That's a third of the list. So congrats Carolinas you may just be the friendliest pair of states in the country.

It's just the way most of us were raised. Yes mam and no mam. To help anyone who needs it. And the golden rule treat everyone the way you'd like to be treated. These things are just a part of life in the South.

And even with an influx of new residents, that hospitality and treating others like one of our own remains. According to Southern Living, the cities on this list "stand out as being extra gracious".

To create the list Southern Living editors polled the ones who know the South best- it's readers! They asked readers which Southern cities have made them "feel especially warm and fuzzy".

This list is just cities. To be included on the list the city had to have a population of over 40,000. So if your favorite small town is missing, it may not be that it isn't friendly. Just that it didn't fit the criteria.

So here are the 5 North and South Carolina cities named friendliest cities in the South. You can read the full Southern Living list here.

Cary is a suburb to the southwest of Raleigh. As someone who has lived in Raleigh for 4 years and visited the area for most of my life I can attest that it is a great place to live. The area is thriving and has all the amenities you could want. Plus I may be biased but I do think the people are certainly friendly!

The mountain town of Asheville is beloved for so many reasons. The culinary landscape is elite, the area is full of wonderful breweries, and an eclectic arts and culture scene. I love the elegance of both the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. While the Blue Ridge Mountains may not be the first thing you picture when you think of "The South" that doesn't mean Southern Hospitality isn't alive and well in this city that welcomes and embraces tourists and residents.

Located on the Cape Fear River near the coast is the gem of a city that is Wilmington, NC. The beach is a short drive and a popular vacation destination. The locals make it a great area to call home (I had a good friend live and around Wilmington for several years). There is a rich history in the downtown Riverfront area as well.

If I've said it once, I've said it 100 times and just failed to make it happen. I really need to plan a weekend in Greenville and see just what all the buzz is about. Seriously the city is thriving and people are talking. While I've been, it's been quick trips for events and never to explore and take in all the city has to offer. Soon though!

Is there a positive list Charleston hasn't topped or at least nearly topped? I don't think so. The Holy City gets continuous high praise. And I can't say it isn't deserved. It along with the number two city on this list (Savannah, GA) is in my mind the epitome of Southern charm and hospitality. When I think of cities in the South it's these two. Charleston is filled with history, culture, beauty, incredible cuisine, truly everything you could want. And that is just exemplified by the people that call the city home.