The Climate Prediction Center has released their three month long range outlook for the country and for our part of the world things don't look that bad. As a matter of fact the outlook for the months of March, April, and May appears to be quite boring.

The CPC is suggesting that much of Louisiana and the Gulf South will experience normal temperatures and slightly above normal precipitation amounts. Does that mean it's all smooth sailing until the start Hurricane Season in June. Absolutely not.

Forecasters with the CPC are looking at the three month range in very broad terms. There certainly could be periods of very heavy rain and severe storms. That is actually a part of Springtime in the South.  There also could be weeks of dry weather. That's not as likely as the thunderstorms but anything is possible.

The map below provided by the CPC and NOAA shows the areas of the country where above and below normal amounts of precipitation are expected. The area of the map that Louisiana is in suggests the state could see precipitation amounts that are slightly above normal. The exception being the northern third of the state.

Courtesy CPC via NOAA.gov
Courtesy CPC via NOAA.gov
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Temperatures across the state should remain within seasonal norms. Many places along the coast will be reaching their final frost date in the coming weeks while for those that live in the northern part of the state your final frost date will come later in the month of March.

However forecasters don't expect the transition into springtime temperatures to be dramatic. There are probably a few more cold fronts that will push through the area bringing below season average temperatures to the area but those cold fronts will become fewer and further between as we begin to approach April.

The map below shows that forecasters believe Louisiana will experience season temperatures for the duration of the forecast period.

CPC via NOAA.gov
CPC via NOAA.gov
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Remember there is still a very strong El Nino condition affecting Louisiana and the United States weather. As long as that condition remains strong conditions across Louisiana and the outlook for hurricane season will probably stay very sedate.

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