Spring Weather Outlook: Warmer Temps and Sunshine on the Way
If you’re one of the millions of Americans thawing out after a week of Arctic air and deep freezes, spring weather and sunshine can’t come soon enough. On Thursday, national forecasters gave us a sneak peek at the warmer season to come.
Seasonal Outlook
The seasonal outlook, put together by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, gives a broad overview of the temperature and precipitation patterns we can expect to see around the country between March and May.
Warmer Spring Ahead for Some
It’s good news for some folks sick of the cold – many states are favored to see a warmer-than-average spring season. The southernmost states (who admittedly haven’t been suffering the most from a frigid winter) have the best odds of seeing unseasonably warm temperatures over the next three months.
Cooler Spring Ahead for the Pacific Northwest
It’s the opposite for the Pacific Northwest, which is leaning toward a cooler-than-normal spring. The middle stretch of the country, shaded in white, has equal chances of seeing one of three outcomes: a cold spring, a warm spring, or a normal spring.
Dry Weather Pattern in the South
The warmth down South will likely be paired with a dry weather pattern, the outlook says. The Southwestern states and Florida are leaning toward seeing below-average precipitation between March and May. Those regions are already experiencing some degree of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, so a dry season would further strain those states’ water stores.
Wetter Weather in the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes
Wetter weather is in the forecast for the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley this spring. That pattern is consistent with the La Niña phenomenon we’re currently seeing.
Relief is Coming
If you’re reading this from a city or state that’s still quite cold this week, you won’t have to wait until spring for the first bit of relief to arrive. Thursday was expected to be the "last truly cold day" across the country as temperatures rise next week, according to Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Scott Kleebauer.
Record-Breaking Cold
An arctic air mass brought widespread, record-breaking cold to the central United States, and some locations in the Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley experienced their coldest temperatures on record this late in the season, according to the Weather Prediction Center.
Conclusion
As we bid adieu to the cold weather, it’s clear that spring is on its way, and with it, a chance for warm temperatures and sunshine to return. While some regions may experience a cooler-than-normal spring, others can look forward to an unseasonably warm season. Keep an eye on the forecast, and get ready to trade in your parka for a light coat!
FAQs
Q: What is the seasonal outlook for spring weather?
A: The seasonal outlook predicts warmer temperatures and sunshine for some regions, while others may experience a cooler-than-normal spring.
Q: Which regions are favored to see a warmer-than-average spring?
A: The southernmost states have the best odds of seeing unseasonably warm temperatures over the next three months.
Q: Which regions are expected to experience a dry weather pattern?
A: The Southwestern states and Florida are leaning toward seeing below-average precipitation between March and May.
Q: What is the La Niña phenomenon, and how will it affect the weather?
A: La Niña is a natural climate pattern that can influence global weather patterns. In this case, it’s contributing to wetter weather in the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley.
Q: When can we expect the cold weather to end?
A: Thursday was expected to be the "last truly cold day" across the country as temperatures rise next week, according to Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Scott Kleebauer.
