The April 2021 climate outlook tilts warmer than average for most of the country and drier than average across the southern tier of the United States.

Despite the influence of La Niña, December 2020 was the eighth-hottest December on record helping 2020 become the second-hottest year on record. 

November 2020 was the second-warmest November on record, which increases 2020's chance of becoming the warmest year on record to over 50%.

October 2020 was the fourth warmest October on record dating back to 1880, which makes it the lowest-ranked month so far in 2020.

November 2020 is favored to be warmer than average for much of the United States and drier than average across the southern US.

September 2020 was the hottest September on record for the globe, continuing a sweltering year. 

The latest maps from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center show where October 2020 is forecast to be much hotter and drier than average in the U.S. It's not a great outlook for the wildfire-affected West.

August 2020 was the second-hottest August on record, and it ended the hottest summer on record for the Northern Hemisphere.