National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Record Breaking Temperatures and Critical Fire Weather

More than 200 record or near record maximum temperatures are forecast across the southern half of the U.S. through the end of this week before additional record temperatures center back over the Southwest U.S. into the Rockies this weekend. Widespread record breaking warmth, low humidity, and gusty winds will produce critical fire weather today in the central Rockies to Plains. Read More >

Monthly Precipitation Anomalies


Figure 3


a)


Monthly Precipitation Anomalies El Nino

b)


Monthly Precipitation Anomalies La Nina


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)


Monthly Precipitation Anomalies El Nino

b)


Monthly Precipitation Anomalies La Nina


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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