Meteorological Spring is Here! A Look at NOAA's Spring Outlook

news image
Special Stories
1 Mar 2019 1:59 PM
[Spring tulips photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash] After a cold and snowy winter in many areas of the nation, meteorological spring has arrived! Last week, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) issued their 90 day outlook for March, April and May. Warmer than normal temperatures are favored in the eastern and western sections of the nation. Wetter than average weather is expected from the Four Corners to the Middle Atlantic, including the southern Plains and Southeast. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1098632029011431424 With many areas of the nation expected to see average to above normal precipitation, the drought outlook continues to show improvement. Across much of the West, with the exception of a few locations in the Northwest, drought conditions are expected to improve or end. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1098585966053335042 The main forecast influences were global weather patterns, long range model forecasts, observed soil moisture and snowfall coverage conditions, and historical trends. An extensively discussed El Nino is underway in the Pacific Ocean, but the atmosphere was slow to respond. In early February, an El Nino Advisory was issued as the atmosphere is more aligned with the ocean. [Departure from average of the surface and subsurface tropical Pacific sea temperature averaged weekly over winter. Map is centered over the Pacific Ocean along the equator. Data from NOAA CPC.] 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 a weak, borderline El Nino.  The CPC says "climate effects typically associated with El Nino during the spring were considered, but downplayed significantly." 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