The Climate Prediction Center released their June, July, August outlook for the United States which shows a warmer than normal summer for most of the south and central United States including Arkansas and Oklahoma.
The desert southwest has a high probability of warmer than normal temperatures and a continued drought for that location. Often, an unusually persistent thermal ridge can alter the upper level winds which often changes the pattern for the rest of the country. The extent of this drought and its effects aren’t clear yet. While the southwest will be in the middle of a significant drought, the rain outlook for this summer is forecast to be normal. Which isn’t saying much considering we tend to average 4.28″ for June, 3.30″ for July, & 2.59″ for August. Summers that start dry, tend to get progressively drier.
While the pattern doesn’t favor extreme heat like last summer, it certainly looks like this summer will offer a few stretches of 100+ degree days. And in my opinion, will end on a drier and hotter note.
-Garrett
