January 2019 Outlook from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center

news image
Special Stories
21 Dec 2018 3:09 PM
On Thursday, the Climate Prediction Center issued their 30 day forecast for January. Warmer than normal temperatures are expected across most of the West, with below average readings in the Southeast. The South is expected to see wetter than normal weather, with below average precipitation in the Northwest and Ohio Valley. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1075749752531230721 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 yet to respond. 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. Based on the latest observations and model forecasts, the CPC still indicates a greater than 80 percent chance for El Nino from January to March and 70 percent that it persists through May. [November 2018 sea surface temperature departure from the 1981-2010 average. Graphic by NOAA Climate; data from NOAA’s Environmental Visualization Lab.] For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels  
All Weather News
More
Next Wave in the Atlantic to Watch

Next Wave in the Atlantic to Watch

As the Atlantic hurricane season enters its f

19 Oct 2025 6:45 PM
Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances This Weekend

Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances This Weekend

October has been relatively quiet in terms of

19 Oct 2025 4:55 PM
Next System Blows Even More Leaves Out of Trees

Next System Blows Even More Leaves Out of Trees

The trough responsible for the storms along t

19 Oct 2025 3:00 PM
Wet Pattern for the NW Continues

Wet Pattern for the NW Continues

A wet pattern is shaping up for the Northwest

19 Oct 2025 2:55 PM
NOAA Releases Outlook for Winter 25-26'

NOAA Releases Outlook for Winter 25-26'

Ready for another La Niña winter? NOAA quietl

19 Oct 2025 12:25 PM
Ridge Riding Thunderstorms in the Western Plains

Ridge Riding Thunderstorms in the Western Plains

A ridge of high pressure has been responsible

17 Oct 2025 3:00 AM
Sierra to the Rockies: Flooding Rain & Heavy Snow

Sierra to the Rockies: Flooding Rain & Heavy Snow

As of Wednesday, all evacuation orders have b

15 Oct 2025 1:45 PM