NOAA to issue Spring Outlook

The nation is experiencing damaging floods this year even before the spring season officially begins. Heavy rain and snowmelt from warming temperatures in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and lower Great Lakes have caused significant river flooding and flash floods in those areas. As the excess water flows downstream over the next few weeks, the flood risk will persist within these river basins. This excessive rainfall stands in contrast to areas of ongoing drought in parts of the South and West, and NOAA forecasters will provide the outlook for where drought may improve or worsen.

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. Empowering people with information to prepare and take action is key to NOAA’s effort to build a Weather-Ready Nation.

WHAT:
Press briefing via teleconference to announce the U.S. Spring Outlook, followed by Q & A

WHEN:
Thu., Mar. 15, 11:00 a.m. EDT

WHO: 

• Jon Gottschalck, seasonal forecaster, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center
• Tom Graziano, Ph.D, director, NOAA’s Office of Water Prediction
• David Miskus, drought meteorologist, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center

CALL-IN:   
This press briefing is for media only.
In the U.S.: 1-800-369-2015
International: 1-630-395-0217
Passcode: Spring

NOTE:
The briefing is audio only by phone, but news stations may send a camera to our location in College Park, Maryland, or the National Water Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for one-on-one interviews after the announcement. Please contact Lauren Gaches to make arrangements.