Drought, warm spring predicted for US
Drought: The National Weather Service said Thursday above-normal temperatures are predicted across most of the Lower 48 states and northern Alaska.
In this Sept. photo, farmer Steve Henry looks at a patch of corn in Arapahoe, Neb., that failed due to drought, and will not be harvested.
Nati Harnik/AP/File
WASHINGTON
Government forecasters say much of the United States can expect a warm spring and persistent drought.
The National Weather Service said Thursday above-normal temperatures are predicted across most of the Lower 48 states and northern Alaska. The forecast also calls for little relief for the drought-stricken Midwest and Southwest. Currently, half the country is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought.
Late snowmelt will bring a threat of river flooding along the upper Mississippi. North Dakota is at the most risk of flooding from the Red River.
A cooler spring is predicted for the Pacific Northwest and northern Great Plains. Drier-than-normal conditions are on tap for the West and Gulf Coast. Hawaii is expected to be cooler and drier than usual.
The spring outlook covers April, May and June.