The Climate Prediction Center has updated the April outlook, continuing the trend of the previous outlook of warm and dry conditions. Above average temperatures are in the forecast over most of the nation, especially in the western Great Lakes and Upper Midwest. Only the Pacific Northwest expected to see a cooler than normal month.
Our final outlook for the month of April sees increased chances of above-normal temperatures for much of the nation. Odds are elevated for below-normal precipitation across the Four Corners and Southeast. https://t.co/JI2DUvhln5 pic.twitter.com/cRJNcj5YF1
— NWS Climate Prediction Center (@NWSCPC) March 31, 2021
Odds favor drier than average weather from the Southeast and Gulf Coast states westward to the Four Corners. This will likely lead to continued drought conditions in the West, and Texas with drought development in Florida. Above normal precipitation is forecast in the Upper Midwest.
Development of #drought is forecast across portions of the Rockies, Florida, Northeast, Great Lakes, Central Plains, and Southern Plains during April. Some improvement is possible for parts of the Pacific Northwest, Minnesota, and eastern Dakotas. https://t.co/9pT87CSQMB pic.twitter.com/A4bMBtMFwl
— NWS Climate Prediction Center (@NWSCPC) March 31, 2021
The Climate Prediction Center noted that model forecasts were the primary guidance used in the April outlook. La Nina conditions are still being observed in the Pacific and are expected to continue for April, so typical La Nina impacts played a roll in the forecast for this month. Soil moisture and sea surface temperatures were also considered.