The first three months of 2019 are showing increased chances for below-normal temperatures in the Northern Plains and Great Lakes, while warmer than typical conditions are favored across much of the South and West. That’s according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, which issued their 90 day outlook on Thursday for January through March.
Snowy conditions may be ahead from the Northern Rockies, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and the Northeast with above average precipitation predicted. Drier than normal weather is forecast across the southern tier of the nation from the Desert Southwest to Florida.
With below normal precipitation predicted in the Southern Plains and Florida, drought conditions are likely to develop or expand.
The Climate Prediction Center stated that model guidance and statistical tools were the main factors used in the forecast for the months ahead. Neither El Nino or La Nina conditions are expected in the Pacific Ocean to start the year.