Summary:
- Much of the west saw warmer than average* temperatures in March, except for the Rockies which were largely cooler than average. Overall dry conditions continued during March with only a few locations across the west seeing much precipitation.
- The warm and relatively dry month accelerated snowmelt, reducing many western basin snowpacks to 70% or less. As such, drought concerns continue with over 90% of the west in some level of drought, with the most severe to exceptional drought conditions rising to over 30% of the west. Chances for much or any drought improvement are not likely from here on into the summer.
- For the short term, cool conditions will give way to a very warm mid-week followed by cool conditions again by next weekend. Precipitation is likely from northern California into the PNW, but dry elsewhere until mid-month.
- The forecast for mid-month is hinting at cold air dropping down out of Alaska, as such, quite cool conditions are forecast for most of the west. Given that budbreak has occurred or starting for many, the concern during this time is of course frost, which could be widespread with clearing skies after frontal passes during mid-month.
- The 90-day forecast continues to show the continued La Niña and PDO influence, pointing to likely cool and near average precipitation for the PNW and near-average temperatures and dry south in California.
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