February to April Outlook has Warmth in the West

news image
Special Stories
17 Jan 2019 1:48 PM
The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) issued their new 90 day forecast, covering February to April. Warmer than average temperatures are expected in most of the West, with colder than normal weather for the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. The Ohio Valley and Northwest are expected to see drier than average weather, with above normal precipitation in the Southeast and near the Four Corners. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1085894736383234050 With drier weather forecast for most of the West, drought conditions are expected to persist or expand through April. Improvement is forecast near the Four Corners, with better precipitation chances over the next three months. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1085896824857059332 The main forecast influences were global pattern trends and long range model forecasts. An extensively discussed El Nino is underway in the Pacific Ocean, but the atmosphere has been slow to respond. The CPC has become more pessimistic on the topic, stating "it appears that any El Nino that does form will only be of nominal or weak intensity." Observed sea surface temperatures in the Pacific are warmer than normal as expected, with computer models expecting this to continue. Right now, the overall global pattern resembles neutral conditions.  The CPC says "in the near-term, there is no obvious indication that this long-awaited ocean-atmosphere coupling will take place before the end of boreal winter." Based on the latest observations and model forecasts, the CPC still indicates a 65 percent chance for El Nino from now through Spring. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels
All Weather News
More
Tornadoes Hit Nebraska and Iowa Thursday Night

Tornadoes Hit Nebraska and Iowa Thursday Night

Severe storms erupted Thursday evening across

20 Apr 2025 1:00 AM
Severe Thunderstorm Threat Continues Into Sunday

Severe Thunderstorm Threat Continues Into Sunday

The jet stream remains active and stubborn in

20 Apr 2025 1:00 AM
Dry Southwest Keeps Critical Fire Conditions in the Forecast

Dry Southwest Keeps Critical Fire Conditions in the Forecast

Fire danger remains elevated this weekend in

20 Apr 2025 12:40 AM
Spring Snow Continues in the Rockies

Spring Snow Continues in the Rockies

​A classic late-season April snowstorm is imp

19 Apr 2025 2:30 AM
Cold Push for the Northeast

Cold Push for the Northeast

Two upper level lows have brought a shot of c

16 Apr 2025 9:40 AM
Earthquake in Southern California Monday Morning

Earthquake in Southern California Monday Morning

A 5.2M earthquake was detected Monday morning

15 Apr 2025 9:00 AM
Spring Heat Wave: More Record Highs to Fall Today

Spring Heat Wave: More Record Highs to Fall Today

A surge of unseasonable heat is sweeping acro

13 Apr 2025 5:50 PM