Dangerous Heat in the Central and Southern U.S.; Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain in the Northern Plains

Dangerous, prolonged heat is expected across portions of the Central and Southeast U.S. through July. Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected over parts of the northern Plains into the upper Mississippi Valley Tuesday, with damaging winds and large hail as the primary threats. Heavy rainfall could lead to areas of flooding across the northern Plains, Upper Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. Read More >

November is typically a transition month in the Northland and this November was a perfect example of that. Record daily high temperatures in the 70s were recorded at all climate sites on November 2, and monthly all-time high temperatures were tied at Brainerd (75°F) and Hibbing (72°F). Temperatures then plummeted to around average for the middle part of the month, then a bit above average by the end the month. Both rainfall and snowfall were near or above average around the Northland. This has led to some relief in drought conditions, though some abnormally dry conditions and patches of moderate drought still persist, especially in northern Bayfield and Douglas counties in Wisconsin and western Cass County in Minnesota.

For December, the CPC is forecasting below average temperatures with equal chances for above or below normal precipitation. The CPC is forecasting below normal temperatures and above average precipitation for the December through February winter period. This forecast is consistent with the climatological pattern typically seen during a La Niña episode, which is currently occurring and is expected to continue through the winter. A transition toward ENSO neutral is projected going into spring and early summer 2023.