CLIMATE PREDICTIONS 2018 FOR THE USA

Floods in the east, drought in the west, and unusually warm temperatures coast-to-coast: NOAA reveals what spring could be like in the US this year

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted spring weather
• The agency said much of the US will experience flooding in the coming months
• Additionally, higher than usual temperatures and drought will hit parts of the US
• Weather abnormalities are expected in many places across the country
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This spring parts of the US will experience higher-than-usual temperatures and moderate flooding, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NOAA has released a report detailing the ways in which different geographical regions will be affected by weather in the next three months.

The agency said that parts of the Mississippi River and the Ohio River Valley basin are in danger of flooding.

NOAA said that, in these regions, soil moisture levels and streamflows are 'well above normal' following recent heavy rainfall that has given way to major flooding.

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This map highlights the US regions likely to experience flooding this spring. Heavy rainfall brought flooding to many US regions ahead of flooding season this year

In addition to the flooding, droughts are supposed to occur in California, the Southwest and the central and southern Plains regions.

These areas are set to experience weather that is both drier and warmer than usual.

NOAA researcher Dr Neil Jacobs emphasized the importance of his agency's weather forecasts.

Dr Jabos said: 'Whether it's an emergency manager dispatching resources ahead of possible flooding or accurate predictions of river flows and water levels to ensure safe navigation on waterways, NOAA's seasonal forecasts have economic value for the nation.

'The benefit of these seasonal and subseasonal forecasts will continue to grow as we improve them in accordance to the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act.'

The NOAA analysis said that the Mississippi and Ohio River basins saw flooding ahead of flood season this year due to heavy rainfall, which caused record breaking water levels in parts of the Great Lakes region.

NOAA's Dr Thomas Graziano explained: 'Flooding that began in mid-February is still ongoing for parts of the middle and lower Mississippi Valley and is forecast to continue for at least the next few weeks.

'We encourage people nationwide to be prepared for the range of spring weather threats, including flooding, and tune into local forecasts to monitor their individual risk.'

Moderate flooding in the lower Mississippi Valley, the Illinois River basin, the Ohio River basin and in regions of the lower Missouri River basin is expected through May, NOAA has said.

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The above map reveals the regions that will experience higher than usual temperatures throughout the spring, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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This map shows the regions likely to experience drought during the following three months

Additionally, the agency predicts minor flooding to hit the upper Mississippi River basin and regions of the Columbia River, while a higher than usual amount of snow on the Northern Rockies melts.

The report said: 'The flood risk outlook is based on a number of factors, including current conditions of snowpack, drought, soil moisture, frost depth, streamflow and precipitation.

'Local heavy rainfall, especially associated with thunderstorms, can occur throughout the spring and lead to flooding even in areas where overall risk is considered low.'

The report warned of continued drought in most of the regions that have already experienced drought this year.

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According to the administration much of the Southwest is set to experience lower than usual rainfall amounts during the spring

'More than a quarter of the country is currently experiencing drought from Southern California into the Southwest, the northern and southern High Plains and parts of the Southeast,' the report stated.

It said this will likely continue and that drought could affect even more regions in the US by the end of June.

However, the scientists expect that the lower Mississippi Valley and northern Plains will experience a reprieve from drought and see above-average precipitation levels.

Areas across the country will experience unusual temperatures this spring.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR FLOODING?

Flooding can occur anywhere in the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security says it is particularly important to be prepared for flooding if you live in an area that is close to water, including in regions close to a stream, river, culvert or ocean, or if you live downstream from a levee or dam.

Flooding can happen during any season, but coastal US territories are more likely to experience it during hurricane season.

Midwestern territories are more likely to experience flooding during spring and periods of heavy summer rain.

The following are basic tips for surviving flooding:

• Do not walk or drive through flooded areas.
• Do not drive across bridges spanning floodwaters that are fast moving. Floodwaters can destabilize bridges.
• Move to higher ground when a risk of flash flooding is announced.
• During periods of heavy rainfall do not camp or park close to streams, creeks or rivers.The report said: 'Through June, odds favor above-average temperatures for the southern two-thirds of the US, extending from California across the central Plains and into the Northeast.

'The greatest likelihood of above-average temperatures extends from the Southwest across Texas and the Gulf Coast. Hawaii and the northern half of Alaska are also favored to experience above-average temperatures during the April through June season.'

The Northern Rockies make up the only region that will see below normal temperatures during the spring, the report said.

The analysis said much of the South and West will see a relatively low amount of precipitation.

This will occur in California, Texas, Oklahoma, the south-central Plains as well as southern Alaska.

But much of the country will see above average precipitation levels, including the northern High Plains, the Great Lakes, the Ohio Valley, Alaska, Hawaii, the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast.

The study said: 'NOAA produces seasonal outlooks to help communities prepare for weather and environmental conditions that are likely during the coming months to minimize impacts on lives and livelihoods.'