West Virginia – An exceptionally hot summer is expected to transition into a steamy fall, according to a long-range forecast released Thursday.
The Climate Prediction Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service, has provided an updated three-month weather outlook for the continental U.S. and Alaska.
For those enduring a brutally hot summer, little relief is anticipated between now and October. Every state is at least partially expected to experience above-average temperatures as summer ends and fall begins. In West Virginia, the eastern panhandle is predicted to have above-average temperatures, according to the weather outlook map.
The Northeast and the Four Corners states have a particularly high chance (60%-70%) of experiencing hotter-than-normal weather over the next three months.
The map below illustrates the likelihood of an extra-hot summer across the country. Darker shades of orange indicate a higher probability of warm weather.
Regions shown in white, such as the West Coast, have equal chances of normal weather, hotter-than-average weather, and cooler-than-average weather.
The season has already proven dangerously hot, and we are only halfway through the summer. Heat is suspected to be the cause of death in several recent cases, including retirees in Oregon, a motorcyclist in Death Valley, California, and a 10-year-old boy who collapsed while hiking with his family on a Phoenix trail.
High-temperature records have been shattered in western states in July. Palm Springs, California, reached an all-time high of 124°F on July 5, and Las Vegas hit its all-time high of 120°F on July 7.
Prolonged heat combined with predicted dry conditions could worsen drought conditions in the West. Much of the West and Midwest are leaning toward below-average precipitation.
In contrast, most of West Virginia is expected to see above-average precipitation from the end of summer to early fall.
As hurricane season continues in the Atlantic, the Gulf and East coasts are predicted to receive more rain than usual over the next three months.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
