Updated October Outlook from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center

Several changes have been made to the October outlook from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. The previous outlook had most of the nation seeing a good chance for warmer than normal weather. The updated forecast, issued earlier this week, keeps above average temperatures in the East and South, but now calls for cooler than normal weather for the Northern Plains and Northwest. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1179009206759747584 Wetter than normal conditions are predicted across over most of the northern tier of the nation, Plains, and parts of the Southwest. Drier than average weather is now in the forecast for most of the Southeast. This will lead to an expansion of drought conditions in the Southeast and Tennessee Valley. The Southern Plains and Southwest will see a continuation of the drought already underway. https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1179009777789128704 The Climate Prediction Center notes that the "October monthly outlook always represents a considerable challenge in short term climate prediction." Since the month falls during a transitional season period, October "historically is one in which predictability is low." Updated model guidance was the main reason for the changes from the earlier outlook. Long term climate trends were also one of the main factors used in the forecast.