925-hPa Temp. Anoms. (oC) Climate Prediction Center/NCEP REPORT:
During December through early February, an anomalous ridge persisted over the eastern North Pacific and above-average heights extended across the contiguous U.S. Associated with this ridging, above-average temperatures were evident across much of North America, except for Alaska.
During December through early February, an anomalous ridge persisted over the eastern North Pacific and above-average heights extended across the contiguous U.S. Associated with this ridging, above-average temperatures were evident across much of North America, except for Alaska.
I think its safe to say that we've been feeling the impacts of the La Nina phenomena. This is when cooler water builds in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This phenomena can impact circulation patterns across the United States. Typically this means warmer than average temperatures for the southeast and also drier conditions. We've had plenty of rain in our area and warmer than average temperatures this winter. Just to our southeast drought conditions are in place, so on a regional scale there is evidence of drier conditons, along with the warmer temperatures. We monitor the El Nino/La Nina Southern Oscillation Index, known as ENSO, for changes in the weather pattern. According to the latest CPC outlooks, the La Nina phase is expected to linger into the spring.
While the long term outlook would suggest more warmer than average days there will be some cool downs along the way. We've experienced some of our coldest weather and biggest winter storms in March. I remember years ago snow fell over West Alabama in April. In summary, we still have lots of winter left. In fact, models are still showing a nice little cool down for the upcoming weekend. Even if temperatures take a few dives over the coming weeks, the current patten should provide more days with above average temperatures.
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