Forecast predicts warmer, drier spring

After a March in which Denver saw nearly 2 feet more snowfall than average, the long-range forecast shows Colorado could be in for a warmer, drier spring.

This forecast recently came from the Climate Prediction Center, and takes us through the months of April, May and June.

One thing climate forecasters look to when making their forecasts is La Nina and El Niño — the cyclical, ocean temperature patterns observed in the tropical Pacific.

Currently, La Niña conditions are in place. This means ocean temperatures are cooler than average across the tropical Pacific. When this happens Eastern Colorado tends to see above-average temperatures in winter and in summer.

There’s a little more uncertainty when predicting precipitation. However, Colorado does tend to see slightly drier than normal summers during a La Niña.

The entire state is forecast to see above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation from April through June. But, for the next three months, western Colorado has a better chance at getting below normal precipitation, while locations from Denver to the south have a better chance of seeing above-average temperatures.

It’s important to keep in mind these long-range forecasts don’t rule out big storms. They simply state whether overall conditions will fall above or below average.

Here’s a look at Denver’s temperature and precipitation averages for the next few months:

April

Temperature: 47.4 degrees Precipitation: 1.71 inches

May

Temperature: 57.1 degrees Precipitation: 2.12 inches

June Temperature: 67.4 degrees

Precipitation: 1.98 inches

Note: The average temperature takes into account both highs and lows for the month. Average high temperatures range from 58 degrees at the beginning of April, to 87 degrees by the end of June.