Updated May Outlook from the Climate Prediction Center

On Monday, the Climate Prediction Center updated their forecast for May with optimism for warmth ahead after a cold April. Most of the country is forecast to see above average temperatures, especially across the West and Northeast. Wetter than normal weather is expected  the throughout the Plains and Great Lakes, with below average precipitation in the Northwest. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/991034832858869762 The previous May forecast issued just under two weeks ago was not as optimistic on warmer than normal readings, especially across the northern tier of the nation. The changes were made based on updated forecast model trends, current weather patterns in the atmosphere, and a significantly diminish snow cover from only a few weeks ago. The changes in the precipitation forecast are more noticeable, with wetter than average rainfall removed from all of the East and below normal precipitation confined to the Northwest. An area of drier than normal weather was introduced into the Tennessee Valley. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/986948172265197569 The Climate Prediction Center noted that a La Nina advisory is still in effect, but forecast model trends continue to show that Pacific Ocean water temperatures will return to normal over the 6 weeks. Neutral ocean temperatures are expected into the summer months, with no El Nino or La Nina. Along with the La Nina forecast and current atmospheric trends, long range model forecasts, current soil moisture conditions and snow coverage was considered. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels