Month-By-Month Spring And Summer Forecast Released For PA

It may be a warmer spring and an earlier summer than usual in the coming months, according to a new long term weather lookout from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.

The agency released its seasonal temperature outlook for May through July, showing an increased likelihood of above-average temperatures across much of the mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania.

The outlook indicates a higher probability of warmer conditions compared to historical averages, though it does not guarantee specific temperatures on any given day.

Precipitation in Pennsylvania is expected to fall within “equal chances,” meaning there is no strong signal for either wetter- or drier-than-normal conditions during the period.

Despite the bouts of snow and frigid weather, much of Pennsylvania has seen record-breaking heat this winter, as well. There have been multiple bursts of heat, including one in March that was almost instantly followed by a cold spell. There was nearly a 40 degree temperature difference in a single day.

Shifts in the jet stream are likely to continue to bring cold air down across the midwest and northeast over the coming weeks, according to Accuweather, interspersed with more warming periods.

"Additional back-and-forth swings between warm and chilly air will continue into April, especially across the Northeast," Accuweather said.

The new long term temperature outlook is part of NOAA’s long-range forecasting, which uses climate patterns and historical data to assess trends over several months.

Forecasters update the outlook regularly, meaning conditions and probabilities may shift as summer approaches.

With reporting from Patch correspondent Hayleigh Evans