Latest Patterns Show La Niña Likely to Cause Above-Average Temperatures and Drought for Southern Plains

Drought predictions remain for the entire U.S. Southern Plains region, according to the latest 30 and 90-day forecasts from DTN and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Experts attribute much of the cause to the formation of La Niña. As sea surface temperatures cool by as much as 7 degrees Fahrenheit below normal, La Nina’s easterly trade winds strengthen a cold front along the equator and the West coast. While the phenomenon is in effect, the U.S. Southern Plains region expects not only below-average precipitation but above-average temperatures over the winter. This could affect the 2022 winter wheat harvest, as nearly 33% of the U.S. is at risk of being affected by drought. Read more on La Niña’s impact on U.S. weather here.