Warmest winter for contiguous US in 15 years, reveals NOAA

March 30, 2016 3:58 PM | Skymet Weather Team

The strongest El Nino of the decade and other Climate Change elements have paved the way for a warmer winter for almost the entire United States.

The average temperature between December-February was 4.6°F above the average levels in the US.

According to the research by NOAA, above average temperatures was observed in 46 states of the contiguous United States.

States in New England recorded warm temperatures. Also, most of Northeast, Midwest, West, Southeast and the Great Plains recorded above average temperatures.

In addition to this, Alaska also observed the second warmest winter between the months of December and February. Alaska also saw its warmest February ever recorded.

Meanwhile, Hawaii recorded a drier winter with almost the entire region recording below average rains. Around 50 percent of the state observed a drought like situation.

As far as separate areas are concerned, Northeast US saw the fifth warmest winter. Similarly, the Upper Midwest witnessed the eighth warmest winter on record.

On the other hand, the drought situation in California remained more or less the same. Nearly 95 percent of California observed drought. The story doesn’t end here, in fact, 38 percent of California witnessed the worst category of drought.

Meanwhile, Northeast and Northwest saw improved conditions. However, Southwest and Southern Plains only saw the situation worsening.

Image Credit: wltx.com

 

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