December Forecast Update from Climate Prediction Center

news image
Special Stories
3 Dec 2018 9:57 AM
Several changes have been made to the December outlook, updated Friday by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. There has been an expansion of warmer than average temperatures, which are now expected over most of the nation. Below normal temperatures have been added to the forecast in parts of New England and near the Four Corners. Wetter than normal weather is still anticipated in the Southwest and Southeast, with an area expanded into the central Plains. Below normal precipitation is still expected in the Northeast, with the northern Plains added to the forecast. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1068598611590680577 With the forecast of above normal precipitation in the West, drought conditions are expected to improve. The most improvement will be seen in California, Arizona, and Nevada. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1068599180527132672 The outlook was based primarily on model forecasts and long term trends. Atmospheric trends from tropical thunderstorms near the Equator (Madden-Julian Oscillation) and Arctic cold air (North Atlantic  Oscillation) were also considered. Given the current atmospheric state, the onset of El Nino played a minor role in the forecast according to the CPC. This differs from the winter outlook, which was updated earlier in November. Even with El Nino already showing signs of development, it's effects on the atmosphere are not expected to be observed until later in the winter. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels
All Weather News
More
Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

A cold front that brought record lows to the

18 Jul 2025 10:40 PM
Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme heat continues to impact several area

18 Jul 2025 10:05 PM
Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

A cold front pushing through the Eastern Seab

18 Jul 2025 9:10 PM
EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

A fire tornado was spotted near La Sal, Utah

18 Jul 2025 7:30 AM
Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Time has run out for notable tropical develop

18 Jul 2025 3:05 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 12:50 PM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM