The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has issued their extended weather forecasts. In its outlook for June, it calls for above-normal temps across the southern half of the U.S., including Nebraska, but excluding Iowa and most of Illinois. Below-normal precip is expected in the Pacific Northwest, but elsewhere, the chances are equal for normal, below- or above-normal precip.
In its outlook for June through August is similar to the 30-day outlook.
In its Seasonal Drought Outlook, the CPC says some improvement to drought areas of the Corn Belt are expected, as well as some of the Southern Plains. But overall, drought is expected to remain its stronghold on the western portion of Texas and across the Southwest.
The seasonal drought outlook states: "Over the previous several weeks, widespread soaking rains eased drought conditions in southwestern Texas and southeastern New Mexico, and a slow moving storm system brought relief to much of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states. Widespread rainfall across the upper Midwest also reduced existing drought conditions. In contrast, a combination of abnormal dryness and heat sparked rapid drought development across the middle and lower Mississippi Valley, while near-record heat across the Southeast was interrupted by hit and miss thunderstorm activity. During the upcoming three month period, drought persistence is expected across the Great Basin and central Rockies due to a dry climatology, while the onset of the monsoon season may bring some relief to portions of the Southwest. Wet short and middle range forecasts and a rainy climatology increase prospects for improvement across the upper Midwest, while persistence is expected across the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley. In the Southeast, seabreeze convective activity will likely bring drought relief to Florida and coastal areas, but summer convection - outside of any tropical cyclone activity - is less likely to significantly reduce entrenched and exceptional drought conditions in the Piedmont. Summer thunderstorms may bring some relief to the drought areas of the Northeast."
Check the following links for maps of forecasts:
See Comments
