Warmer first half of growing season, uncertain precip outlook

The extended weather forecast from the National Weather Service calls for above-normal temperatures across all of the contiguous U.S. aside from a bubble of “equal chances” over the northwestern Corn Belt/Northern Plains during the May through July period. The bulk of the country, including most of the Corn Belt and Plains, is expected to see “equal chances” of average, below-average and above-average rainfall during the 90-day period. There are elevated odds of above-normal rainfall over the southeastern quadrant of the country, including the southeastern Corn Belt, Delta and Southeast. Below-normal rainfall is expected over the far southwestern Plains and Pacific Northwest through July.

The warmer temps would be consistent with the La Niña weather pattern that is expected to develop sometime during summer. If La Niña develops, the “equal chances” for rainfall over the central U.S. would likely switch to “below normal.”