NOAA: Another warm winter likely for western U.S., South may see colder weather
Repeat of last year’s extremely cold, snowy winter east of Rockies unlikely
Below
average temperatures are favored in parts of the south-central and
southeastern United States, while above-average temperatures are most
likely in the western U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and New England, according
to the U.S. Winter Outlook, issued today by NOAA’s
Climate Prediction Center
While drought may
improve in some portions of the U.S. this winter, California's
record-setting drought will likely persist or intensify in large parts
of the state. Nearly 60 percent of California is suffering
from exceptional drought – the worst category – with 2013 being the
driest year on record. Also, 2012 and 2013 rank in the top 10 of
California’s warmest years on record, and 2014 is shaping up to be
California’s warmest year on record. Winter is the wet season
in California, so mountainous snowfall will prove crucial for drought
recovery. Drought is expected to improve in California’s southern and
northwestern regions, but improvement is not expected until December or
January.
“Complete drought
recovery in California this winter is highly unlikely. While we’re
predicting at least a 2 in 3 chance that winter precipitation will be
near or above normal throughout the state, with such
widespread, extreme deficits, recovery will be slow,” said Mike Halpert,
acting director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “This outlook
gives the public valuable information, allowing them to make informed
decisions and plans for the season. It's an important
tool as we build a Weather-Ready Nation.”
