CPC: Midwest and Plains Drought to 'Persist'
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) in its seasonal drought outlook says it expects drought to persist across the Plains and western Corn Belt, but for some improvement in the eastern Corn Belt.
"Drought amelioration occurred across the middle Mississippi and Ohio Valleys from late August to mid-September, while drought intensified and expanded across the Great Plains, upper Mississippi Valley, and northern Rockies," it states. "Drought is expected to persist across most of the Great Plains and upper Mississippi Valley, while prospects for improvement increase across the Ohio Valley, middle Mississippi Valley, and southern Texas."
In its outlook for October, the CPC calls for above-normal temps across the bulk of the country, but for below-normal precip to keep harvest running quickly from Iowa eastward. Elsewhere across the Plains and western Corn Belt, the chances are equal for below-, normal and above-normal precip.
In its outlook for October through December, the CPC expects the area of above-normal temps to persist across the Plains and Midwest, with above-normal precip in the Gulf region and below-normal precip in the Pacific Northwest. Elsewhere across the country, chances are equal for below-, normal and above-normal precip.
Check the following links for maps of forecasts:
- Link to 30-day forecast
- Link to 90-day forecast
- Link to text discussion of 30-day forecast
- Link to long-lead temp forecast
- Link to long-lead precip forecast
