On July 17, 2014, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center released their outlook for August and beyond.
Currently, we have significant heat through the High Plains and the Midwest. But it will be short-lived. The NWS forecast show cooler conditions returning soon to the region. The outlook for August (first map, click to enlarge) includes an increased chance of below-average temperatures across the upper Midwest, while the Southeast has as increased chance of above-average temperatures. Much of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio have equal chances (EC) of above, below, and near-average temperature.
Much of the Corn Belt has equal chances (EC) of above, below, and near-average precipitation (second map) in August. In other words, there are no clear indications of an increased risk for too much or too little rain.
The outlook for August-October (third map) includes an area of increased chance of below-average temperatures for much of the western two-thirds of the Corn Belt. Compared to the August outlook, the area of cooler-than-average temperatures has expanded slightly southward and eastward, while the area of warmer-than average temperatures in the Southeast contracted. The eastern Corn Belt, including Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio have equal chances of above, below, and near-average temperatures.
The precipitation outlook for August-October (last map) shows the area with increased chances of wetter-than-average conditions expanding from the Southwest on into parts of the western Corn Belt. This is welcome news because that part of the country has been struggling with drought.
