Active Pattern for the Center of the Nation

Severe thunderstorms, excessive rainfall, critical fire weather are all in the outlook today and into this last weekend of April. Very large hail, severe wind gusts, and a couple strong tornadoes will all be possible across the central and southern Plains today. Flash flooding also possible for portions of the Plains and Mississippi Valley. Critical fire weather conditions for Southern High Plains Read More >

Monthly Precipitation Anomalies
Figure 3
a)
b)
Fig. 3. Total precipitation deviation from the monthly historical average during (a) El Niño and (b) La Niña events. Composites are made from all the historical El Niño or La Niña events.
Figure 4
a)
b)
Fig. 4. Total precipitation deviation from the monthly historical average during (a) El Niño and (b) La Niña events. Composites are made from all the historical El Niño or La Niña events.
Both Fig. 3 and Fig.4 show the deviation from the monthly total precipitation relative to historical average given in Fig. 2. and Table 1. However, the information in Fig. 3 is in unit of inches, while that in Fig. 4 is presented by percentage.
The monthly total precipitations at all six stations are slightly more than historical average during the El Niño year. However, from January to June of the year after an El Niño event, there is deficient precipitation. The maximum difference could reach as much as 3 inches (around 80%) less than its historical average amount at one station. During a La Niña event, on the other hand, moderate deficient precipitation took place in the first half of the La Niña year. While from October to the end of the next year there is more precipitation. Usually, there is 1-2 inches, or 20-40%, more than the historical average.
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Active Pattern for the Center of the Nation

Monthly Precipitation Anomalies

Monthly Precipitation Anomalies

Figure 3

a)

b)

Figure 4

a)

b)

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