March 2025 temperatures for the contiguous U.S. were the sixth-warmest in the 131-year record. Precipitation ranked in the middle third of the historical record.
Observing & Predicting
After spending much of the season with super strong wind speeds, the polar vortex bowed out two weeks ago, with the core west-to-east winds sliding off the pole. However, as it winds down for the season, the polar vortex still has a few tricks up its sleeve.
The April outlook favors mild temperatures across the South, a wet month in parts of the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys, and drought persistence in the West.
It’s March Madness, ENSO style! Our blogger discusses why the North American precipitation pattern this past winter looked more like the response to a moderate-strength La Niña than to a weak event.
Temperatures were above average over much of the globe, particularly in the Arctic, but much below average over western Canada and the central United States.
Winter was warm and dry for the contiguous U.S.; seasonal snowfall was below average across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
After racing around the pole for the last several months, the polar vortex is ready for a break. Will this break be temporary, or is it done for the season? Read on to find out.
The March outlook favors a La Niña-like precipitation pattern and mild temperatures across much of the country.