After a warm October in most of the nation, November is expected to start in a similar fashion. The 6-10 day forecast from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center continues the same trend we have been seeing – above average temperatures. The forecast covers the period through November 7th. A trough in the upper levels of the atmosphere will lead to a warm ridge over most of the country. The eastern third of the nation is expected to be mostly dry, along with the Intermountain West. Rainfall is expected to be at or above normal in the Pacific Northwest and through the Plains into the Front Range.
Looking at the 30 day forecast for November, also issued by the Climate Prediction Center, the warmth is expected to continue. From the Northeast through the Plains and into the Deep South, above normal temperatures are in the overall forecast. Drier than average conditions are expected as well, especially across the South. This is due to a developing La Nina event, which has become more evident over the past month. La Nina occurs when the waters of the Pacific Ocean show a general trend of cooling, the opposite of an El Nino. During La Nina periods, the Jet Stream is less active in the Southern U.S., which usually leads to drier weather.
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels