FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2026 19
"Understanding the Weather" – A Series by Mel Zeldin, Retired Meteorologist
"The near-record heat during the latter part of February may be
a precursor for what may be coming this spring. Above-normal
temperatures may be more the norm for a while. Seasonal outlooks
for temperature and precipitation are prepared by the National
Climate Prediction Center, and their projections for this spring
across the United States are shown below.
Temperature-wise, as shown in Figure 1, Southern California is
indicated to have above-normal temperatures, with the greatest
above-normal likelihood around the "four corners" area of Utah,
Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Across the United States,
projections for above normal extend across all the southern states,
with no areas in the U.S. indicated to be below normal. This is all
indicative of climate change and associated global warming.
For precipitation, as shown in Figure 2, we are in the area for
equal changes for above- or below-normal precipitation. And there
are only a very few areas in the United States indicated to be above
normal. So to summarize, expect a warmer spring with about
normal rainfall.
Spring Weather Outlook
Fig. 2. Precipitation outlook for this spring Fig. 1. Temperature outlook for this spring
