Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Precipitation Prediction …

~Dr. Diana Rashash

Yikes! It has been downright soggy outside for much of December, January, and February. The next couple of months are predicted to have a slightly higher chance of being wetter than average, as shown in the map below for March, April, and May. Then, we enter a period of equal chances, followed by below average precipitation for the fall.





Source: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/seasonal.php?lead=1

The temperature, however, is another matter. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center website is predicting an increased probability of above normal temperatures from April onward. These predictions are based on the current El Niño gradually decreasing and changing over to a more-neutral situation, and then to La Niña in the fall.
It’s amazing how sea surface temperatures off the California coast can be such a significant driver of conditions here in eastern North Carolina. For now, we just need it to dry out enough to be able to get into our gardens and fields. Will we be wishing for rain later this year? Maybe. If you establish new trees or shrubs this spring, be prepared to provide supplemental water – if needed – later in the summer.

No comments:

Post a Comment