NOAA's Spring Outlook calls for a mixed bag of flooding in the Midwest and South, and worsening drought conditions in other parts of the country accompanied by above-normal temperatures for much of the U.S.
The report, issued on March 21, says to expect precipitation to be below average in areas such as Texas, the Southwest, the Great Plains and Florida. River flooding along the Mississippi and tributaries is also likely to be worse than last year.
The forecast calls for significant flooding in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, with late season snow melt raising river and lake levels. Minor to moderate flooding may occur through the states of Wisconsin, Missouri, South Dakota, Montana, Iowa and run south into Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia. Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee may also be affected.
NOAA says 51 percent of the continental U.S.—primarily central and western regions—is experiencing drought conditions. New drought conditions may develop in California, the Southwest, the Southern Rockies, Texas and Florida. However, there may be some improvement for the Midwest, the northern and central Great Plains, Georgia, the Carolinas and northern Alaska.
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