OWSC

Climate Outlook
What's Next for the Pacific Northwest?

Neutral Conditions

The La Niña has weakened completely and neutral ENSO conditions have developed according to the CPC. Most of the models predict that the neutral conditions will continue through the summer, and that the Pacific will transition to warm ENSO conditions by fall.

What does this mean for Washington in the coming months?

The Climate Prediction Center's (CPC) 3-month outlook (June-July-August) suggests that there is at least a 33% chance of warmer than normal temperatures for central Washington and at least a 40% chance of warmer than normal temperatures in eastern Washington. The JJA outlook calls for an equal chance of below, equal to, or above normal temperatures for western WA. The 3-month CPC precipitation outlook for June-July-August calls for at least a 33% chance of below normal precipitation western WA and at least a 40% chance of below normal precipitation for the rest of the state. The late summer outlook (July-August-September) is very similar to the JJA outlook. There is at least a 33% (central WA) or a 40% (eastern WA) chance of above normal temperatures for most of the state except for the Olympic Peninsula. There is at least a 33% chance of below normal precipitation for the Olympic Peninsula and at least a 40% of below normal precipitation for the rest of the state for JAS.

Another factor is the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which has had a negative polarity since September 2007, and has continued through April 2009 (PDO index values). A negative polarity is associated with northerly winds and cold water along the Pacific coast. The NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory's PDO forecast model suggests a weakening of the negative/cold PDO through the summer.

Last Updated: 6/3/2009


Climate Prediction Resources

NWS Local 3-Month Temperature Outlook
Select a location plotted on the map to view the local outlook.

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The links below provide access to global and regional climate predictions.