Updated Winter Outlook from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center

news image
Special Stories
16 Nov 2018 9:29 AM
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) updated their winter outlook covering December through February. Warmer than normal weather is still anticipated across much of the northern and western U.S., with the greatest likelihood in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Below average temperatures are not favored in any parts of the nation through the period. Minimal changes were made to the precipitation forecast. Wetter than average conditions are still anticipated across the southern tier of the U.S. up into the Mid-Atlantic. Northern Florida and southern Georgia have the greatest odds for above-average precipitation this winter.  Below normal precipitation are most likely in the Great Lakes and northern Ohio Valley. The previous forecast issued last month also included drier than normal weather in the northern Rockies, but this area has been removed. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1063102230218375168 Good news is found in the drought forecast for the West, especially for California where wildfires continue to burn. Significant improvement is expected throughout the winter in California with wetter than normal weather expected. Drought conditions are still anticipated to improve throughout Arizona and New Mexico, southern sections of Utah and Colorado, the coastal Pacific Northwest and the Central Plains. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1063102840644747266 The basis for much of the forecast is the anticipated El Nino this winter. The CPC states that the Pacific Ocean is still in neutral ENSO conditions, but an El Nino Watch remains in place as sea surface temperatures continue to warm. The CPC outlook favors El Nino this winter and spring at a greater than 70% probability through March, decreasing to near 50% by June 2019. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels
All Weather News
More
Severe Weather Ramps Up Late Week

Severe Weather Ramps Up Late Week

We've been stuck in a pretty stagnant pattern

14 May 2025 1:25 PM
Heavy Rain Triggers Flash Flood Emergencies Tuesday

Heavy Rain Triggers Flash Flood Emergencies Tuesday

Flash Flood Emergencies were issued on Tuesda

14 May 2025 1:22 PM
Historic Heat Setting Up In Texas

Historic Heat Setting Up In Texas

Here we go. Whoever wanted it to be Summer al

14 May 2025 1:00 PM
Rain & Storms From The Carolinas to Mid-Atlantic

Rain & Storms From The Carolinas to Mid-Atlantic

MID-ATLANTIC - A slow-moving upper-level low

14 May 2025 12:50 PM
Rain & Snow For The Northern Rockies

Rain & Snow For The Northern Rockies

ABOVE - Winter is hanging on for the Northern

14 May 2025 12:40 AM
Summertime Heat Prompts Fire Danger in the Northern Plains

Summertime Heat Prompts Fire Danger in the Northern Plains

NORTHERN PLAINS - The record heat continued o

13 May 2025 6:40 PM
Severe Threat Continues in the Southeast

Severe Threat Continues in the Southeast

The Southeast can not seem to shake the storm

13 May 2025 2:45 AM