April Outlook - Warm and Dry for Most of the Nation

Last week, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center issued their outlook for April. Almost all of the country is expected to see warmer than average temperatures, with the highest probabilities from Florida through the Plains to the Four Corners. Only a small area in the Pacific Northwest is forecast with a cooler than normal month. A large area from the Southeast into the West can expect a drier than normal April. This will lead to continued drought conditions in the West and portions of the Plains. The Climate Prediction Center noted that model forecasts were the primary guidance used in the April outlook. La Nina conditions are expected to continue for April, so it's typical impacts were also played a roll in the forecast for the upcoming month. Soil moisture and sea surface temperatures were also considered.