The latest 90 day outlook is in and warm and dry conditions are expected for many areas across the nation. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued the forecast covering October, November and December last week. The temperature outlook calls for warmer than average readings across most of the nation, from the East through the Southern Plains into the Southwest.
The precipitation forecast has a drier than average period stretching along the Gulf Coast states through the Plains and into the Southwest. The expected dry conditions will likely extend and expand the ongoing drought in the Plains and West. Wetter than normal weather is expected for the period in the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest.
Model forecast and current global trends were the main driving factors in the 90 day forecast, according to the Climate Prediction Center discussion. Neutral temperature conditions are currently being observed in the Pacific Ocean, meaning no El Nino or La Nina is present. La Nina is predicted to develop by winter with a La Nina Watch issued. A La Nina is observed when colder than average water temperatures are recorded in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.