Climate Outlook
What’s Next for the Pacific Northwest?
Neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Conditions
According to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), neutral conditions are still present in the equatorial Pacific. Current sea-surface temperatures are near to above normal throughout the equatorial Pacific, with little change in the last month. The atmospheric pattern near the tropical Pacific Ocean is consistent with ENSO-neutral conditions. ENSO forecast models indicate that ENSO neutral will continue through the winter (February-April chances at 60%) and spring 2020.
What does this mean for Washington in the coming months?
The CPC February temperature outlook has equal chances of below, equal to, or above normal temperatures for all of WA state. Similarly, the February precipitation outlook also has equal chances of below, equal to, or above normal precipitation, showing that there’s little indication of how February will play out.
The CPC 3-month (February-March-April; FMA) temperature outlook is also calling for equal chances of below, equal to, or above normal temperatures statewide. On the other hand, the FMA precipitation outlook gives some indication of how the season will play out in regards to precipitation; there are slightly higher chances of above normal precipitation in eastern WA but equal chances of below, equal to, or above normal precipitation in western WA.
Last Updated: 1/16/2020
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
