Summary:
- Overall a very nice October was had by the majority of the western US. A dominant ridge of high pressure brought a nearly three week stretch of moderately warm and dry conditions that allowed for a relaxed end to the vintage. Growing degree-day accumulations ended up normal to up to 6% below average for some coastal areas in California and portions of interior Oregon and Washington, and between 5-20% above average across the majority of the western US.
- While rain returned in late October and early November, the forecast calls for both the short-term (10-14 days) and the month to be slightly warmer and definitely drier than average for this time of year for the bulk of the western US. This is largely based on a return to quite warm North Pacific Ocean temperatures.
- The seasonal forecast for November through January is largely based upon the forecast of the development of moderate El Niño in the Tropical Pacific. Analog winters with moderate El Niño events tend to be warm and dry across the PNW and northern tier of states and moderately cool and wet across the southern tier of states.
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