Summary:
- For the western US February was relatively mild to warm except for the Rockies were colder than average conditions prevailed. The warmth was greatest in California, which was largely 3-6°F above normal.
- February was quite dry over most of the western US, especially in California where no measurable rain was observed in many locations. Mountain snowpack for the winter is now below average in California and portions of Oregon but remains above average for much of the northern Cascades and Rockies.
- The dry February has increased drought concerns for California, Oregon, and Washington.
- The short-term forecast is pointing to a slightly cooler period with some rain north, but the potential for the first precipitation in over a month in portions of California.
- The March through May seasonal forecast for the west coast is pointing to a near-average March, a cool and wet April, and then a warm and dry May. The overall outlook for the western US to end up slightly warmer than normal but likely staying drier than average for western Oregon and mostly of California or near average in the inland PNW. Unfortunately, drier than average conditions tend to lead to great frost risk in the spring.
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