- The northern tier will likely see above average temperatures.
- Parts of the Southeast could see relatively cooler temperatures.
- The Southwest could start out cold, but could end up well above average.
The mildest winter yet in many cities will likely become a mild spring across much of the Boreal Tier, and that warmth could spread across much of the Rocky Mountains and Plains.
The only place that may not endure the earlier-than-normal warmth over the next few months is the Southeast Coast, according to the latest forecast released Friday by The Weather Company and Atmopheric G2.
One of the biggest factors driving the outlook over the next few months is the decline of El Niño.
Since December, temperatures across the North — especially the Midwest — have been about 5 to 12 degrees above average, due in part to much higher-than-average water temperatures in the eastern Pacific (El Niño signature). Of course, the warming of the world we live in also contributes.
(More: January was the warmest on Earth)
El Niño is likely to fade very quickly during the spring and summer.
Among the potential impacts of this shift, which also include a busier hurricane season and potentially a more active severe weather season in parts of the central United States, warmth could also be unleashed across the southern United States.
“Given the expected rapid transition from El Niño to La Niña, and an increasing global warming trend, it is becoming difficult to predict anything other than abnormal warmth as we head into summer,” said Dr. Todd Crawford, deputy chief meteorologist at Atmospheric. G2.
Monthly forecast
March may be cooler across the Southern Tier: The north-south temperature divide seen this winter is likely to persist and perhaps worsen in the first month of meteorological spring. In particular, snowbirds remaining in Florida or upcoming spring breakers in the sun may have to deal with temperatures a little closer to what you can expect at home this year.
Parts of the Pacific Northwest, upper Midwest, and Northeast could see temperatures well above average.
(More: Boost your forecast with our hour-by-hour breakdown for the next eight days — available only on our website Premium Pro experience.)
The warmer shift is scheduled to begin in April: Southern parts of the Rocky Mountains and Plains could see a strong shift toward warmer temperatures. Temperatures are likely to remain above average in the northern United States while remaining near or slightly below average in the southeast.
The end of spring will likely be warmer: Above average temperatures may spread across most of the Rockies and Plains.
The warmest area compared to May averages will likely be the upper Midwest to northern New England.
Temperatures will likely be near average in Florida compared to the first two months of spring.
The Weather Company's primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment, and the importance of science in our lives.
