Mar 20, 2021 03:15 AM
https://earther.gizmodo.com/the-u-s-face...1846516144
EXCERPTS: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its spring outlook on Thursday and predicted that more than half the country may see drought conditions over the next few months. This drought, the agency notices, would be the country’s most significant spring drought since 2013, and could affect 74 million people.
NOAA predicts that the Southwest will be the hardest hit, which could impact water supply in the region. If the agency’s forecast is correct, the dry conditions would draw out the historic megadrought that has been gripping the area.
“We are predicting prolonged and widespread drought,” National Weather Service Deputy Director Mary Erickson told the AP. “It’s definitely something we’re watching and very concerned about.”
There are a couple things at play contributing to the drought conditions. There’s been an ongoing La Niña since last summer, which cools off portions the Pacific Ocean and, in turn, creates drier weather across parts of the country. Monsoon season—when heavy rains usually occur—in the Southwest in the summer last year was unusually dry, like it was the year before.
And it looks like it will be a hot spring, which could make drought conditions worse. NOAA predicts that from April to June, the vast majority of the country will experience warmer-than-average temperatures. The heat could melt out already weak snowpack in some places early, creating an issue for water users during the dry summer season. With the Sierra Nevada snowpack at only 61% of its usual levels, officials could implement water restrictions in California for the first time since 2016... (MORE - details)
EXCERPTS: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its spring outlook on Thursday and predicted that more than half the country may see drought conditions over the next few months. This drought, the agency notices, would be the country’s most significant spring drought since 2013, and could affect 74 million people.
NOAA predicts that the Southwest will be the hardest hit, which could impact water supply in the region. If the agency’s forecast is correct, the dry conditions would draw out the historic megadrought that has been gripping the area.
“We are predicting prolonged and widespread drought,” National Weather Service Deputy Director Mary Erickson told the AP. “It’s definitely something we’re watching and very concerned about.”
There are a couple things at play contributing to the drought conditions. There’s been an ongoing La Niña since last summer, which cools off portions the Pacific Ocean and, in turn, creates drier weather across parts of the country. Monsoon season—when heavy rains usually occur—in the Southwest in the summer last year was unusually dry, like it was the year before.
And it looks like it will be a hot spring, which could make drought conditions worse. NOAA predicts that from April to June, the vast majority of the country will experience warmer-than-average temperatures. The heat could melt out already weak snowpack in some places early, creating an issue for water users during the dry summer season. With the Sierra Nevada snowpack at only 61% of its usual levels, officials could implement water restrictions in California for the first time since 2016... (MORE - details)