Will Spring Come Early? NOAA Releases Weather Predictions for New York
A La Niña Winter is Ending, but Spring is on the Horizon
A La Niña winter has just started, but it isn’t expected to last long. National forecasters are already looking ahead to the spring season. A new long-range forecast, released Thursday, shows broad weather predictions for February, March, and April nationwide.
Early Spring-Like Weather Expected for Half of the Country
A broad swath of the U.S., from Arizona all the way up to Maine, is favored to see above-average temperatures over the next three months. The southernmost states have the highest chance of seeing unseasonably warm weather, according to the Climate Prediction Center.
Northern States to Experience Colder Than Normal Weather
Meanwhile, the opposite is true for a select few northern states, where colder-than-normal weather is predicted. Washington, Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska are all leaning toward a chillier start to spring.
Spring Showers: A Tale of Two Countries
When it comes to spring showers, the country once again looks divided into two. The Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes region, parts of the Midwest, and the Northeast are looking like they’ll see more rain than normal. But the Southwest and Gulf states are leaning toward dry conditions.
Concerning Drought Conditions in the South
A dry season down south could worsen already concerning drought conditions in Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Middle Band of the U.S.: A Toss-Up
The predictions for the middle band of the U.S. are more of a toss-up. The states shaded in white on both maps have equal chances to see one of three outcomes: average conditions, above-average conditions, or below-average conditions.
Hawaii: Above-Normal Temperatures and Rainfall Expected
Hawaii, which is not shown in the maps above, is likely to see above-normal temperatures over the next three months, especially in the northwestern islands. Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island all have higher probabilities of extra rain in the start of spring.
Conclusion
The latest weather predictions from NOAA offer a glimpse into what’s to come for the country in the next three months. While some areas can expect early spring-like weather, others will have to wait a bit longer. It’s essential to stay informed and prepared for any changes in the weather.
FAQs
* What is La Niña, and how does it affect the weather?
+ La Niña is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean is cooler than normal. It can lead to droughts in some areas and heavy rainfall in others.
* How accurate are NOAA’s long-range weather predictions?
+ NOAA’s predictions are based on historical data and climate patterns. While they are not 100% accurate, they can provide valuable insights into what’s to come.
* Can I prepare for the upcoming weather changes?
+ Yes, it’s essential to stay informed about the weather and prepare for any changes that may come. This includes stocking up on supplies, checking on your home’s maintenance, and planning for potential power outages.
