NOAA to announce U.S. Spring Outlook on March 16

On March 16, NOAA will announce the U.S. Spring Outlook, including predictions for temperature, precipitation, drought and flood risk across the country. Reporters are invited to participate in a virtual news conference followed by a Q&A session with experts.

NOAA forecasters will discuss how the significant rain and snow this winter in the western U.S. may impact drought conditions and also the potential for spring flooding. They will also discuss the March 9 El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) forecast, which declared La Niña over, and the effects ENSO-neutral may have on the weather this spring.  

NOAA’s seasonal outlooks help communities and businesses prepare for the most likely weather and environmental conditions during the coming months. Empowering people with information to prepare and take action is key to NOAA’s effort to build a Weather-Ready Nation. 

WHAT

U.S. Spring Outlook virtual news conference

WHEN

11 a.m. EDT, Thurs., March 16

REGISTRATION

For credentialed reporters only. Interested reporters must register for the event using this GoToWebinar form offsite link. Include your full name and media affiliation. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

WHO

• Jon Gottschalck, chief, Operational Prediction Branch, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center
• Ed Clark, director, National Water Center

Additional experts available during Q&A:

• Brad Pugh, operational drought lead, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center
• Tom Di Liberto, climate scientist, NOAA's Climate Program Office
• Brad Rippey, meteorologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Regional NOAA water experts

Additional resources

NOAA’s Spring Weather Safety Campaign offers information on hazardous spring weather — tornadoes, floods, thunderstorm winds, hail, lightning, heat, wildfires, rip currents and tsunamis — and tips on how to stay safe.