Should We Expect Above-Normal Temperatures this Spring?

Despite frigid temperatures and large accumulations of snow, official forecasts are pointing towards above-normal temperatures in the months ahead.
Despite frigid temperatures and large accumulations of snow, official forecasts are pointing towards above-normal temperatures in the months ahead.
(Ty Hildebrandt)

During the dead of winter, it can be hard to visualize what spring will hold in 2022. Despite frigid temperatures and large accumulations of snow, official forecasts are pointing towards above-normal temperatures in the months ahead.

According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, a warmer spring may be in the forecast. The three-month outlook predicts that most of the country has a 33% to 40% probability of having higher than average spring temperatures, with parts of the Southwest climbing to a 50% to 70% probability of above average temperatures.

 

Three-Month Temperature Probability Outlook: April-June 2022

Three-Month Temperature Probability Outlook: April-June 2022

The three-month forecast also predicts slightly above-normal precipitation in parts of the Midwest, especially in states such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Out West, a different story could unfold. Areas already stricken with drought are predicted to see a 33% to 40% less probability of rain this spring, with areas like Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah in the 40% to 50% range.

 

Three-Month Precipitation Probability Outlook: April-June 2022

Three-Month Precipitation Probability Outlook: April-June 2022

For more on weather conditions check out the Weather News & Analysis on AgWeb.

 

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