Meteorologists forecasting "interesting" summer
April 11, 2013 | By
Barbara Vergetis Lundin
Spring has barely sprung, but you wouldn't know it from the snow still finding its way across the east coast and Midwest. Traditionally warm, snow-free states are already beginning to experience unseasonably warm temperatures not helping the drought conditions that last year's below-average rainfalls and above-average temperatures brought to nearly two-thirds of the U.S. After analyzing a range of factors -- including La Niña and El Niño patterns, climate and sea surface temperatures, and other data For 2013 -- WeatherBug's meteorology team is forecasting a 2013 summer season similar to 2012 for much of the continental U.S. WeatherBug is predicting above-normal temperatures from west Texas across the Great Plains into the central and Southern Rockies, and across the Mid-South. Areas around the Great Lakes and the Southeast coast will see near-normal seasonal temperatures with a small pocket of slightly cooler-than-normal conditions predicted along the coast of the Pacific Northwest. WeatherBug meteorologists expect limited relief from drought conditions, as areas already hard-hit by record low precipitation are set to receive below-normal rainfall this summer. In areas of the central U.S., including northern and western Texas, western Oklahoma, the Four Corners states, and regions along the eastern border of California, limited rainfall will further task low water reservoirs, increase wildfire risk, and challenge agricultural interests. "Last year, the mercury soared -- making 2012 the third-hottest summer on record in the continental U.S.," said Senior Meteorologist James Aman, WeatherBug Meteorology team, Earth Networks. "We expect to see a summer that is somewhat similar to 2012. But one of the biggest stories weather-wise we will be watching is the drought across Texas into the Southern Rockies. When you factor in extreme weather, including severe storms with lightning and tornadoes that are already making their appearance across the country, we will likely be in for an interesting season." For more: © 2013 FierceMarkets. All rights reserved. http://www.fierceenergy.com http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/meteorologists-forecasting-interesting-summer/2013-04-11 |