The summer outlook is in from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center and it is looking warm for most of the nation. Warmer than average temperatures are in the forecast for most of the nation, especially in the Southwest and along the East Coast. The outlook was issued on Thursday and covers June, July, and August.
Increased chances for above-normal temperatures this summer exist nationwide with the exception of parts of the Mississippi Valley. Chances for above-normal rains during June through August are increased along the East and Gulf Coasts. https://t.co/zbSpjwmsyH pic.twitter.com/jucVGhhs2H
— NWS Climate Prediction Center (@NWSCPC) May 20, 2021
The precipitation forecast has increased odds for above normal moisture across the East and Gulf Coasts. Drier than normal conditions are expected over most of the West, from the Northwest to the Four Corners. This will likely cause a continuation and possible expansion of drought conditions over nearly the western half of the country.
Persistence and expansion of #drought are forecast across much of the West through the end of August. Some improvement is possible across parts of the Southern Plains and Florida. Hawaii may also see drought development. https://t.co/Tp4IHSv4Of pic.twitter.com/LLmooUpuF5
— NWS Climate Prediction Center (@NWSCPC) May 20, 2021
La Nina has come to an end in the Pacific Ocean and neutral temperatures are being observed. Model guidance, soil moisture content and decadal trends were the main guidance used in this outlook, as stated in the Climate Prediction Center discussion.