3-Month Weather Outlook is A Striking One
We’re hearing the word “unprecedented” a lot these days, and that’s not changing. This past winter was a unique one for most of the U.S., as it was much warmer than normal. Now, the three-month weather outlook is showing another unprecedented forecast. Will you get thunderstorms and severe weather? Will it be unseasonably cool or extra hot? Here’s what they say.
A Scorching Winter
Last winter was hot. In fact, Wunderground.com reports that the U.S. set a national winter record. “December 2023 through February 2024 was the Lower 48’s warmest winter in 129 years,” they state, according to data from NOAA’s National Centers For Environmental Information. The previous record warm winter was from 2015-16, and this past winter topped that by 0.82 degree Fahrenheit. It wasn’t close, either, as they state, “This winter’s reading in the U.S. was an absolute pummeling of the old record.” I totally felt it. In Michigan, we got up to the 70s in February. That set records. Last year, it got into the 50s in February, and I thought that was warm, so 70s is unbelievable.
When it comes to particular states, eight U.S. states had their warmest winters on record for the 2023-24 winter: Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin. U.S. states that had their second warmed winters on record include Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Missouri and Ohio.
Three-Month Weather Outlook
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center has released its April, May and June weather outlook. For much of the country, it’s going to be another hot one. The Midwest and Northwest are on target to be well above normal when it comes to temperatures. Meanwhile, the Northeast, New England, the South and much of the West are expected to be above normal. Down in Florida, temperatures look average. So, if you’re in the Midwest or Northwest, get ready to sweat. The seasonal precipitation outlook is calm for most of the country, with average precipitation. However, the South is the exception, with this area of the country looking at well above normal precipitation. This could cause flooding, so be prepared.
It’s worth noting that the Farmer’s Almanac has a different weather outlook, as they usually do. For May, they say to expect temperatures to be on the “cool side, with an active storm track possibly leading to widespread severe weather. This is especially true over the Great Lakes, Midwest, and parts of the Southeast states during the third week of May.”
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