Last week, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued the spring outlook, covering the months of March, April and May. The outlook favors increased chances for warmer than normal temperatures across the East, South, and West. A small pocket of below average temperatures is forecast for the High Plains.
Our seasonal outlook for March, April, and May sees increased chances for a wet period across the eastern half of the country, while most areas are favored to be warmer than usual. https://t.co/Gv7URMbjkO pic.twitter.com/K1da43IA6E
— NWSCPC (@NWSCPC) February 20, 2020
The eastern half of the nation and the Northern Rockies are expected to see a wetter than normal Spring. Drier than average weather is forecast along the West Coast and in the Southwest. This may lead to drought conditions from the Southern Plains through the Four Corners to the Pacific Coast.
#Drought is forecast to develop across much of the West Coast during the next three months, with further development possible across parts of the Four Corners and West Texas. Improving conditions appear likely for the Southern Plains, Florida, and Hawaii. https://t.co/Tp4IHSv4Of pic.twitter.com/0S1rAaFgqd
— NWSCPC (@NWSCPC) February 20, 2020
Dynamical model guidance, statistical tools and observed global conditions were the main factors in the making of this outlook according to the Climate Prediction Center. Ice coverage, sea surface temperatures, and soil moisture conditions were also considered. Neutral water temperatures are expected to continue in the Pacific Ocean, meaning no El Nino or La Nina conditions.