A warmer-than-average start to spring is favored for the central and eastern United States while a drier-than-average March is likely across the southern tier of the contiguous U.S.
The large, warm pool of ocean water in the Indian and west Pacific Oceans has been growing warmer and expanding in size since 1900, impacting the Madden Julian Oscillation and regional rainfall.
The taiga is becoming more flammable, increasing the risk for intense wildfires—some so intense they overwinter in deep ash pits and re-emerge the following spring.