Topic: Climate Prediction Center

Kansas City, St. Louis hit by fast-moving snowstorm (+video)

A snowstorm is hammering the plains region, but meteorologists say it's not enough to ease harmful drought conditions that have plagued the area for the past two years.

Stubborn US drought could be costlier than hurricane Sandy

As drought conditions persist across the South, hitting farmers and ranchers, parts of the Mississippi River are on the verge of becoming unnavigable. The potential costs are large. 

Going for the record: Can anything stop 2012 from being warmest ever?

For super-warm 2012 to end up as an average year in the lower 48 states would require an astonishing, and record-breaking, cold snap over the final four months. That's not in the forecast.

Focus Weather? Climate change? Why the drought is persisting and growing.

Several factors, including La Niña events, have contributed to the expanded drought, meteorologists say. Conditions in the West may be setting up for a 'megadrought' by century's end, researchers warn.

Worst drought in 50 years could last through October

Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center were unable to assure growers that there is an end to the drought in sight. In the meantime, grain prices have skyrocketed. 

A tropical storm in May? How unusual is Alberto?

Tropical storm Alberto is packing 40 m.p.h. winds while riding the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, but it should dissipate and perhaps end up as rain in New England. It's not the earliest tropical storm on record. 

Forecast is for 'normal' hurricane season, a bit wimpier than last year

The Atlantic hurricane season may be quieter this year than last, predict AccuWeather.com forecasters. A 'near normal' 2012 would see at least a dozen tropical storms and two major hurricanes.

What if we could predict tornadoes a month out? Scientists make strides.

Scientists have only a fledging ability now, but a new approach to prediction could eventually allow forecasters to identify portions of states facing high risk for tornadoes in an upcoming month.

Forecast: Seattle weather could stay eventful in next three months

Forecasters looking at temperature and precipitation trends are calling for cooler and wetter conditions than normal in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle weather this week has consisted of snow and ice storms.

Winter forecast: La Niña returns, southern drought persists

Last winter – with its droughts, tornado outbreaks, heavy snows, and floods – was a tough one in different ways for millions of people. Be prepared for more of the same this year.

Heat wave: What's behind this summer's record heat?

Heat wave conditions are likely to continue into August. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) is forecasting a continuation of the heat wave – hotter-than-normal temperatures across the Desert Southwest and points east across the Deep South.

What's causing all this recent crazy weather?

Flooding, droughts, tornadoes – it's been a crazy spring. Is there anything behind these extreme weather events?

Monster wildfire in Arizona: A glimpse of what climate change could bring

Even as the Wallow fire threatens to alter the Arizona landscape for a long time to come, some scientists say climate change may be fueling a trend toward larger wildfires in the American West.

Conditions in Atlantic ripe for big 2011 hurricane season, US says

2011 will be another above-average year for Atlantic hurricanes, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Plan your evacuation strategy now, warns FEMA.

Do pre-winter snowstorms signal a harsh winter?

Tuesday marks the first day of winter, but many people in the United States and Europe have already seen a preview. Can we expect a snowy winter?

Expect another winter of extreme weather, forecasters say

The Pacific Northwest will be colder and wetter than usual, while the South and California will be warmer and drier, says the US National Weather Service.

National Hurricane Center: Hurricane Igor intensifies quickly

National Hurricane Center says that hurricane Igor got its kick as it encountered a perfect environment. It could flirt with Category 5 status.

At height of hurricane season, research teams take on storms

The research projects are aimed at giving forecasters more tools for improving storm forecasts. The peak of the hurricane season is between now and the end of October.

Revised 2010 hurricane forecast: 'major hurricanes' ahead

A revised 2010 hurricane forecast is in from the National Weather Service, and the agency is predicting another strong year for tropical storms. Four to six 'major hurricanes' are expected out of 14 to 20 named storms.

June was the hottest on record, says NOAA

What's more, March, April, and May 2010 were also the warmest on record.

Active hurricane season ahead: too soon to tell oil spill's impact

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its hurricane season forecast Thursday, acknowledging that oil released by the BP Gulf oil spill could come into play if not cleaned up.

At least another week of 'upside-down winter' in US

Another winter storm is moving across the US Monday, but forecasters hope the worst of the season's storms will be over by the end of next week.

El Nino packs a punch far beyond soggy California

A periodic climate phenomenon, El Nino has prompted storms to smack southern California this week rather than the Pacific Northwest. But Indonesia and parts of Australia are also affected, except they're too dry.

Monster snow storm augurs season of snowball fights, traffic snarls

The storm has already brought flooding to downtown Miami and began dropping snow in Asheville, N.C. Winter storm warnings extend from Georgia to Massachusetts' Cape Cod, with up to a foot of snow possible in Washington, D.C.

California heads for a third dry year in a row