August could bring sharply different weather patterns across the United States according to a new monthly outlook from Direct Weather. The forecast took a look at the potential for dangerous heat across the central U.S. while a more active storm track could keep parts of the Northeast cooler and wetter than normal. He also warned that August remains one of the most difficult months to predict as tropical systems can quickly change rainfall patterns, especially along the Gulf Coast and Southeast.
Plains And Midwest Could Turn Hot And Dry
Direct Weather expects much of the Plains and Midwest to experience below average rainfall during August. The forecast anticipates a weak storm track across the region along with fewer thunderstorms than normal. Oklahoma and Texas look to be the areas with the highest confidence for significantly below average precipitation, and the combination of limited storm activity and persistent high pressure is expected to support prolonged stretches of hot weather.
The outlook also suggests that one or more notable heat waves could develop across the central and northern Plains as well as portions of the Rockies. Dry soils and fewer clouds would allow temperatures to climb well above seasonal averages.
Gulf Coast And Southeast Face Lower Tropical Risk
For the Gulf Coast and Southeast, Direct Weather says the developing El Niño pattern may reduce tropical activity compared to a typical August. That does not eliminate the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane reaching the United States. Even a single landfalling system could dramatically alter rainfall totals and invalidate parts of the monthly forecast. Still historical El Niño patterns favor fewer tropical systems affecting the region. The forecast also leans toward below average rainfall across much of the Southeast because of both the reduced tropical threat and a lack of organized storm systems.
Western States May See Unusual Summer Storms
The outlook takes a different approach across the West. While August is normally part of the dry season, Direct Weather expects above average precipitation across much of the West Coast, the Four Corners region, Nevada, and southeastern California. Because average rainfall is already very low during late summer, even a handful of storm systems could push monthly totals above normal. Temperatures across much of the Southwest are expected to remain close to average as occasional clouds and thunderstorms offset periods of intense heat.
Great Lakes And Northeast Could Stay Cooler
The forecast calls for one of the most active weather patterns in the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Mid Atlantic, and Northeast. Frequent cold fronts and passing storm systems are expected to bring above average rainfall throughout the month. Increased cloud cover and repeated rounds of precipitation could also keep temperatures slightly below average across much of the region.
According to Direct Weather this pattern has already been established during recent weeks and is expected to continue into August, making the Northeast one of the wettest regions in the country while much of the central United States contends with persistent heat and dryness.