NOAA Posts Outlook for Winter Weather Precipitation, Crucial for Drought Alleviation

An outlook on winter precipitation in the western U.S. is predicted to have mixed results for relieving extreme drought conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The U.S. western water supplies have been shrinking as some states face their second or even third consecutive drought. A large portion of the area is also stuck in a 20+ year megadrought.

An NOAA briefing at the end of November said “climate change-influenced aridification” and hot temperatures of the Southwest increase evaporation, making what supplies are available dwindle faster. La Niña hanging around in the Pacific Ocean bolsters concerns about winter moisture.

Read more on weather trends and ongoing drought concerns here.