The first outlook is in for 2021 from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, and the influence of La Nina is definitely being felt. Like previous months, January is expected to be warmer than normal in most of the nation – from the East Coast through the Plains into the Southwest. Only the Pacific Northwest is forecast for below average temperatures.

In the precipitation outlook, the southern tier of the nation is favored to see drier than normal conditions. Above normal precipitation is forecast for the Northwest, Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley.

Our initial outlook for January 2021 sees the best chances for a cooler than usual start to the year across portions of southeastern Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Dry conditions are favored across much of the southern U.S. https://t.co/JI2DUvhln5 pic.twitter.com/s1ODMBnx8v

— NWS Climate Prediction Center (@NWSCPC) December 17, 2020

La Nina conditions are present in the Pacific and further strengthening is expected. Those observations are the driving force behind the trends for the January outlook. The CPC states that La Nina conditions are being observed in the Pacific Ocean and are expected into early next year. La Nina was discussed earlier this month by the CPC with an La Nina Advisory continuing.  Model forecasts, recent pattern observations and coastal sea surface temperatures were also used to determine the upcoming 30 day forecast.