Climate Outlook
What’s Next for the Pacific Northwest?
El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): La Niña Now Present
A “La Niña Advisory” was issued on October 14 due to conditions developing in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, and La Niña is still present. The coupled atmosphere-ocean system in the tropical Pacific is reflecting La Niña conditions with below normal sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies, low-level easterly and upper-level westerly wind anomalies, and below normal sub-surface ocean temperatures. According to ENSO models, there’s a high probability that La Niña will persist through the March-April-May period (67%) compared to the chances of neutral conditions (33%).
What does this mean for Washington in the coming months?
The CPC one month temperatures outlook for February has increased chances of below normal temperatures for the entire state. The chances of below normal temperatures are between 33 and 50% on the three-tier scale. February precipitation is expected to be above normal statewide, with slightly higher chances of above normal precipitation for the northern portions of WA.
The three-month outlook for February through April (FMA) is similar to the February outlook. There are increased chances of below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation statewide.
Last Updated: 1/20/2022
Climate Prediction Resources
NWS Local 3-Month Temperature Outlook
Select a location plotted on the map to view the local outlook.
The links below provide access to global and regional climate predictions.
- The Current State of the Tropical Pacific:
- Predictions of the Tropical Pacific:
- Predictions of U.S. Climate Anomalies
