donsutherland1

During the day, some drier air worked into parts of the region from the north, promoting partly sunny conditions. Temperatures topped out in the upper 50s and lower 60s. High temperatures included: Allentown: 62°; Bridgeport: 58°; Islip: 58°; New York City: 62°; Newark: 60°; and, Philadelphia: 57° More clouds and slightly cooler conditions are likely tomorrow. Readings will likely return to the 60s early next week. Cooler air could return near April 10. Afterward, there is uncertainty about the longer-term pattern evolution, especially as the NAO could remain predominantly negative through mid-month. There is some ensemble support for the NAO to go positive after mid-month. Even as there is uncertainty about the outlook beyond April 10, 73% of cases that saw one or more days where the NAO fell to -1.000 or below during April 1-10, 1950-2019 wound up with a warmer than normal May. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.8°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.5°C for the week centered around March 25. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.67°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.57°C. Neutral and occasionally warm ENSO conditions will likely prevail through at least the end of April. The SOI was -11.32 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was -0.153. On April 3, the MJO was in Phase 5 at an amplitude of 1.257 (RMM). The April 2-adjusted amplitude was 1.329. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely.

As noted on February 17: None of the guidance shows cold of the expanse and magnitude shown during the second half of February, much less over a two week period. At this point, especially with the current pattern and forecast ensembles, calls for extreme cold on a scale of March 1960 should be viewed with a great deal of skepticism. Extremes, by definition, are low probability events. When no clear variables for producing them are currently visible or available in the guidance, their absence should raise significant "red flags." Here is the final outcome:

As the a strong ocean storm responsible for today's overcast and occasionally rainy conditions begins to move away from the region, milder conditions will develop tomorrow. Temperatures will likely return to the 60s early next week. Cooler air could return near April 10. Afterward, there is uncertainty about the longer-term pattern evolution, especially as the NAO could remain predominantly negative through mid-month. There is some ensemble support for the NAO to go positive after mid-month. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.8°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.5°C for the week centered around March 25. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.67°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.57°C. Neutral and occasionally warm ENSO conditions will likely prevail through at least the end of April. The SOI was -16.08 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was -0.098. On April 2, the MJO was in Phase 5 at an amplitude of 1.331 (RMM). The April 1-adjusted amplitude was 1.185. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely.

A strong offshore storm will spread clouds into the region tonight into tomorrow. A period of steady rain and gusty winds is possible into tomorrow, especially on parts of Long Island. Showers could extend into and just west of the New York City Metro Area. The first five days of April will see somewhat below normal to near normal temperatures with the NAO below -1.000. Today's preliminary value was -1.541. That surpasses the previous daily record of -1.356, which was set in 1975. During the April 1-7, 1981-2019 period, the mean temperature was 49.3° for New York City and 50.5° for Philadelphia. During cases when the NAO was -0.75 or below, the respective mean temperatures for New York City and Philadelphia were 47.9° and 49.4°. However, the limited pool of cold air available to be tapped this year could result in a shorter-duration period of cool readings than is typically associated with such patterns. Cooler air could return near April 10. Afterward, there is uncertainty about the longer-term pattern evolution, especially as the NAO could remain predominantly negative through mid-month. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.8°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.5°C for the week centered around March 25. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.67°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.57°C. Neutral and occasionally warm ENSO conditions will likely prevail through at least the end of April. The SOI was -10.67 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +0.399. On April 1, the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 1.181 (RMM). The March 31-adjusted amplitude was 1.578. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely.

After a cool start, the temperature rose into the middle 50s across much of the region today. A strong offshore storm will spread clouds into the region late tomorrow and tomorrow night. A period of steady rain and gusty winds is possible into Friday, especially on parts of Long Island. Parts of Alaska, British Columbia, and Alberta saw near record to record low temperatures earlier today. Hoonah AK had a low temperature of 13°, which smashed the daily record low figure of 22° from 1996. Juneau had a minimum temperature of 14°, which tied the record set in 1920 and tied in 1948. The first five days of April will see somewhat below normal to near normal temperatures as the NAO heads below -1.000. During the April 1-7, 1981-2019 period, the mean temperature was 49.3° for New York City and 50.5° for Philadelphia. During cases when the NAO was -0.75 or below--today's preliminary figure was -1.056--the respective mean temperatures for New York City and Philadelphia were 47.9° and 49.4°. However, the limited pool of cold air available to be tapped this year could result in a short-duration period of cool readings. Afterward, there is uncertainty about the longer-term pattern evolution. Some of the guidance suggests that cooler air could return near April 10. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.8°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.5°C for the week centered around March 25. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.67°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.57°C. Neutral and occasionally warm ENSO conditions will likely prevail through at least the end of April. The SOI was +5.33 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +0.895. On March 31, the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 1.583 (RMM). The March 30-adjusted amplitude was 2.010. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely.

Morning thoughts... 1. The NAO has now dropped below -1.000 with a preliminary daily value of -1.056. 2. The temperature in New York City had risen to 47 degrees after a morning low of 38 degrees. March 1 was very likely New York City's last freeze. 3. Near record to record cold covered parts of Alaska, British Columbia, and Alberta this morning. At Hoonah, AK, the temperature had fallen to 13 degrees at 7 am local time. That smashed the old record low figure of 22 degrees, which was set in 1996.

For purposes of looking at the GFS (FV3) cold bias, the model blend I use for my sensitivity analysis has a departure of +1.5° for the April 1-17 period vs. the GFS's -2.0°. It will be interesting to see the actual number.

March 2020 will finish with a mean temperature of 48.0° in New York City. That made March 2020 New York City's 7th warmest March on record. In the South, New Orleans will likely finish with a mean temperature of 73.1°, easily making March 2020 the warmest March on record there. The old record was 70.7°, which was set in 2012. The first week of April will see somewhat below normal to near normal temperatures, as the NAO, now at a preliminary value of -0.297, heads below -1.000. During the April 1-7, 1981-2019 period, the mean temperature was 49.3° for New York City and 50.5° for Philadelphia. During cases when the NAO was -0.75 or below, the respective mean temperatures for New York City and Philadelphia were 47.9° and 49.4°. Afterward, there is uncertainty about the longer-term pattern evolution. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.8°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.5°C for the week centered around March 25. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.67°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.57°C. Neutral and occasionally warm ENSO conditions will likely prevail through at least the end of April. The SOI was -1.48 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +0.653. On March 30, the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 2.012 (RMM). The March 29-adjusted amplitude was 2.002. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely. April will likely be somewhat warmer to warmer than normal in the East. Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied 53% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal April.

Clouds broke late this afternoon. Readings topped out in the upper 40s.

Morning thoughts... Recently, the MJO moved through Phase 3 at a very high amplitude. There have been two distinct clusters of outcomes for April following such passages during the March 20-31 period. Despite the most recent CFSv2 forecast, Cluster 1 (warmer outcome in the East) is the more likely one. First, the closing 10 days of March have seen the presence of much less cold air than the colder cluster. Second, some of the large-scale hemispheric changes that have been evolving in response to ENSO conditions also favor a milder outcome in the East. Third, the 3/30 run of the EPS weeklies were warmer than the 3/27 run. Fourth, the core of the cold on the CFSv2 is more consistent with the warmer cluster with the primary difference being its showing modest cold anomalies that extend to the East Coast. Overall, even as much of the East Coast will likely be on the mild side of normal, warm anomalies very likely won't rival those of February or March.

DCA _ NYC _ BOS __ ORD _ ATL _ IAH ___ DEN _ PHX _ SEA 0.5 0.5 0.2 -1.0 0.7 0.5 -0.5 0.2 -1.5

An exceptionally warm March is now concluding on a cool note. The first week of April will likely be somewhat cooler than normal to near normal, as the NAO heads toward or even below -1.000. During the April 1-7, 1981-2019 period, the mean temperature was 49.3° for New York City and 50.5° for Philadelphia. During cases when the NAO was -0.75 or below, the respective mean temperatures for New York City and Philadelphia were 47.9° and 49.4°. Afterward, there is uncertainty about the longer-term pattern evolution. New Orleans will likely record a monthly average temperature near 73.1°. That would smash the March record of 70.7°, which was set in 2012. It is very likely that Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC have seen their last measurable snowfall of winter 2019-2020. New York City's last measurable snowfall this winter was January 18. That would mark the earliest such occurrence of the last measurable snowfall. The existing record is January 19, 2002. New York City is all but certain to finish winter 2019-2020 with less than 10" snow for the first time since winter 2011-2012 and for only the 10th time on record. Snowfall records go back to winter 1868-1869 (when 25.5" fell from January-March 1869). It is increasingly likely that New York City has seen its last freeze of the winter, which occurred on March 1. That would be the second earliest such occurrence. The record is February 28, 1942. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.8°C for the week centered around March 18. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.55°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.50°C. Neutral ENSO conditions will likely prevail through at least the end of April. The SOI was -6.61 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +0.189. On March 29, the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 2.007 (RMM). The March 28-adjusted amplitude was 1.931. A sizable majority (>80%) of years during which the AO has been, on average, strongly positive during the first 15 days of February were followed by a warmer than normal March. The preliminary February 1-15 AO average was +2.758. Only 1989 (+3.336) and 1990 (+2.948) had higher AO averages during this period. Recent rapid warming in ENSO Region 1+2 has also typically preceded a warmer than normal March and spring in the Middle Atlantic region. A warmer than normal March and spring remain the base case. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely. Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal March and that March 2020 will rank among the 10 warmest March cases on record. March will likely finish with a monthly mean temperature near 48.0°, which would rank as the 7th warmest March on record. Finally, in most cases following strong AO+ February and March periods, ridging is present in the East during April. As a result, April will likely be at least somewhat warmer than normal in the East. Although recent runs of the CFSv2 have grown cooler, the latest run of the EPS weeklies was warmer.

An exceptionally warm March is now concluding. The first week of April will likely be somewhat cooler than normal to near normal, as the NAO heads toward or even below -1.000. During the April 1-7, 1981-2019 period, the mean temperature was 49.3° for New York City and 50.5° for Philadelphia. During cases when the NAO was -0.75 or below, the respective mean temperatures for New York City and Philadelphia were 47.9° and 49.4°. In parts of the southeastern United States, temperatures reached record high levels earlier today. Daily records included: Charleston, SC: 87° (tied record set in 1985 and tied in 2012); Jacksonville: 91° (old record: 89°, 1907 and 1991) ***Record 5th March day with a high temperature of 90° or above (old record: 4, March 1907)***; Mobile: 87° (old record: 85°, 1879); New Bern, NC: 89° (old record: 88°, 1985); New Orleans: 84° (old record: 83°, 2000, 2007, 2011, 2012, and 2017); Pensacola: 87° (old record: 83°, 1884 and 1974); and, Savannah: 90° (tied record set in 1907) New Orleans is on track to record a monthly average temperature near 72.8°. That would smash the March record of 70.7°, which was set in 2012. It is very likely that Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC have seen their last measurable snowfall of winter 2019-2020. New York City's last measurable snowfall this winter was January 18. That would mark the earliest such occurrence of the last measurable snowfall. The existing record is January 19, 2002. New York City is all but certain to finish winter 2019-2020 with less than 10" snow for the first time since winter 2011-2012 and for only the 10th time on record. Snowfall records go back to winter 1868-1869 (when 25.5" fell from January-March 1869). It is increasingly likely that New York City has seen its last freeze of the winter, which occurred on March 1. That would be the second earliest such occurrence. The record is February 28, 1942. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.8°C for the week centered around March 18. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.55°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.50°C. Neutral ENSO conditions will likely prevail through at least the end of April. The SOI was -11.35 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was -0.024. On March 28, the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 1.875 (RMM). The March 27-adjusted amplitude was 1.786. A sizable majority (>80%) of years during which the AO has been, on average, strongly positive during the first 15 days of February were followed by a warmer than normal March. The preliminary February 1-15 AO average was +2.758. Only 1989 (+3.336) and 1990 (+2.948) had higher AO averages during this period. Recent rapid warming in ENSO Region 1+2 has also typically preceded a warmer than normal March and spring in the Middle Atlantic region. A warmer than normal March and spring remain the base case. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely. Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal March and that March 2020 will rank among the 10 warmest March cases on record. March will likely finish with a monthly mean temperature near 48.3°, which would rank as the 6th warmest March on record. Finally, in most cases following strong AO+ February and March periods, ridging is present in the East during April. As a result, April will likely be warmer than normal in the East.

Morning thoughts... 1. The system responsible for the rain yesterday and overnight will be moving well north of the region today. The area of steadiest rain is now moving eastward across parts of upstate New York, Ontario, Quebec, and parts of northern New England. 2. Select rainfall amounts through 8 am include: Allentown: 0.77"; Boston: 0.25"; Bridgeport: 0.28"; Islip: 0.49"; New York City: 0.47"; Newark: 0.23"; Philadelphia: 1.14"; and, Providence: 0.74" 3. More record heat is likely in the Southeast. Following its March record high temperature of 94° yesterday, Jacksonville could reach 90° for a record-breaking 5th time in March later today. 4. On March 28, Arctic sea ice extent (JAXA) was 13,559,443 square kilometers. That was the lowest figure on record for March 28. The old record was 13,572,036 square kilometers, which was set in 2017.

I agree. The sooner this pandemic is stifled, preferably ended, the better.

Temperatures held mainly in the 40s this afternoon. Nevertheless, March remains on track to end with generally warmer than normal temperatures. The first week of April will likely be cooler than normal, as the NAO heads toward or even below -1.000. During the April 1-7, 1981-2019 period, the mean temperature for New York City was 49.3° and for Philadelphia it was 50.5°. During cases when the NAO was -0.75 or below, the respective mean temperatures for New York City and Philadelphia were 47.9° and 49.4°. The core of the cold will likely be focused on the central United States. The cold likely won't be sufficient to produce a freeze in New York City. In parts of the southeastern United States, temperatures reached record high levels earlier today. Daily records included: Athens, GA: 88° (old record: 85°, 1921 and 2007); Beckley, WV: 85° (old record: 81°, 1989); Charleston, WV: 87° (tied record set in 1945); Crestview, FL: 87° (old record: 2007, 2009, and 2017); Jacksonville: 94° (old record: 89°, 1994 and 2009) ***New March Record***; New Bern, NC: 91° (old record: 85°, 1939); New Orleans: 88° (old record: 84°, 1972); Orlando: 93° (old record: 92°, 1923 and 1994); Pensacola: 84° (old record: 83°, 2009); Savannah: 90° (old record: 89°, 1907); and, Tampa: 88° (tied record set in 1989) New Orleans is on track to record a monthly average temperature near 72.7°. That would smash the March record of 70.7°, which was set in 2012. It is likely that Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC have seen their last measurable snowfall of winter 2019-2020. New York City's last measurable snowfall this winter was January 18. That would mark the earliest such occurrence of the last measurable snowfall. The existing record is January 19, 2002. New York City is all but certain to finish winter 2019-2020 with less than 10" snow for the first time since winter 2011-2012 and for only the 10th time on record. Snowfall records go back to winter 1868-1869 (when 25.5" fell from January-March 1869). It is also possible that New York City has seen its last freeze of the winter, which occurred on March 1. That would be the second earliest such occurrence. The record is February 28, 1942. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.8°C for the week centered around March 18. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.55°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.50°C. Neutral ENSO conditions will likely prevail through at least the end of April. The SOI was -15.61 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +0.043. On March 27, the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 1.789 (RMM). The March 26-adjusted amplitude was 1.710. A sizable majority (>80%) of years during which the AO has been, on average, strongly positive during the first 15 days of February were followed by a warmer than normal March. The preliminary February 1-15 AO average was +2.758. Only 1989 (+3.336) and 1990 (+2.948) had higher AO averages during this period. Recent rapid warming in ENSO Region 1+2 has also typically preceded a warmer than normal March and spring in the Middle Atlantic region. A warmer than normal March and spring remain the base case. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely. Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal March and that March 2020 will rank among the 10 warmest March cases on record. March will likely finish with a monthly mean temperature near 48.3°, which would rank as the 6th warmest March on record. Finally, in most cases following strong AO+ February and March periods, ridging is present in the East during April. As a result, April will likely be warmer than normal in the East.

I think such a summer is a real possibility.

Morning thoughts... 1. The region is in line for a moderate rainstorm from late morning into mid-day tomorrow. Cities such as Bridgeport, Islip, New York City, Newark, and Philadelphia should pick up 0.50" - 1.00" rain. Boston will likely see 0.25"-0.75". 2. Following the storm, temperatures will rebound. 3. The first week of April looks to be cooler than normal, but not exceptionally cool.

Temperatures soared into the 60s across the region today. Overall, March remains on track to end with generally warmer than normal temperatures. The first week of April will likely be cooler than normal. However, the core of the cold will likely be focused on the central United States and the cold likely won't be sufficient to produce a freeze in New York City. In parts of the southeastern United States, temperatures reached record high levels earlier today. Daily records included: Asheville, NC: 85° (old record: 80°, 1907); Athens, GA: 88° (old record: 87°, 1921); Charleston, SC: 87° (old record: 85°, 1949); Columbia, SC: 88° (tied record set in 1994); Jacksonville: 90° (old record: 89°, 1929 and 1991); New Orleans: 87° (old record: 85°, 2011); Savannah: 87° (old record: 86°, 1994 and 2011); and, Wilmington, NC: 87° (old record: 85°, 2007) Based on the historic data, no significant snowfalls (6" or more) are likely in the major Middle Atlantic cities (Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC) and Boston through the remainder of the 2019-2020 snow season. It is likely that Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC have seen their last measurable snowfall of winter 2019-2020. As New York City's last measurable snowfall this winter was January 18, that would mark the earliest such occurrence of the last measurable snowfall. The existing record is January 19, 2002. As a result, New York City is all but certain to finish winter 2019-2020 with less than 10" snow for the first time since winter 2011-2012 and for only the 10th time on record. Snowfall records go back to winter 1868-1869 (when 25.5" fell from January-March 1869). The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.8°C for the week centered around March 18. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.55°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.50°C. Neutral ENSO conditions will likely prevail through April. The SOI was -18.00 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +0.759. Recent days had seen the AO surpass records set in 1976 and 1986, both of which featured warmer than normal April temperatures the eastern United States. Based on the latest guidance, it is possible that New York City has seen its last freeze of the winter, which occurred on March 1. That would be the second earliest such occurrence. The record is February 28, 1942. On March 26, the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 1.712 (RMM). The March 25-adjusted amplitude was 1.905. During the 1981-2019 period, there were two distinct clusters of April outcomes following the MJO's being in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 1.500 or above for 3 or more consecutive days during the March 20-31 period as has been the case this year. One cluster (1981, 2002, and 2010) featured warmth in the East. The other cluster (1992 and 1996) featured a cool anomaly in the East and a warm anomaly in the West. A sizable majority (>80%) of years during which the AO has been, on average, strongly positive during the first 15 days of February were followed by a warmer than normal March. The preliminary February 1-15 AO average was +2.758. Only 1989 (+3.336) and 1990 (+2.948) had higher AO averages during this period. Recent rapid warming in ENSO Region 1+2 has also typically preceded a warmer than normal March and spring in the Middle Atlantic region. A warmer than normal March and spring remain the base case. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely. Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal March. There is an implied 98% probability that March 2020 will rank among the 10 warmest March cases on record. March will likely finish with a monthly mean temperature near 48.3°, which would rank as the 6th warmest March on record. Finally, in most cases following strong AO+ February and March periods, ridging is present in the East during April. As a result, April will likely be warmer than normal in the East.

Following the clouds and light rain that held down yesterday's temperatures, today's sunshine sent the mercury rising well into the 50s and even some 60s across the region. Overall, the month remains on course to finish on a generally warmer than normal note. In the southern U.S., numerous daily record high temperatures were set today. Records included: Little Rock: 88° (old record: 85°, 1907); New Orleans: 88° (old record: 84°, 2011); Oklahoma City: 92° (old record: 85°, 1918, 1956, and 1972); Pensacola: 84° (old record: 83°, 2012); Shreveport: 89° (old record: 88°, 2011); and, Tulsa: 94° (old record: 87°, 1918). Based on the historic data, no significant snowfalls (6" or more) are likely in the major Middle Atlantic cities (Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC) and Boston through the remainder of the 2019-2020 snow season. It is likely that Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC have seen their last measurable snowfall of winter 2019-2020. As New York City's last measurable snowfall this winter was January 18, that would mark the earliest such occurrence of the last measurable snowfall. The existing record is January 19, 2002. As a result, New York City is all but certain to finish winter 2019-2020 with less than 10" snow for the first time since winter 2011-2012 and for only the 10th time on record. Snowfall records go back to winter 1868-1869 (when 25.5" fell from January-March 1869). The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.8°C for the week centered around March 18. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.55°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.50°C. Neutral ENSO conditions will likely prevail through April. The SOI was -10.34 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +2.505. Recent days have seen the AO surpass records set in 1976 and 1986, both of which featured warmer than normal April temperatures the eastern United States. Based on the latest guidance, it is possible that New York City has seen its last freeze of the winter, which occurred on March 1. That would be the second earliest such occurrence. The record is February 28, 1942. On March 25, the MJO was in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 1.902 (RMM). The March 24-adjusted amplitude was 2.048. During the 1981-2019 period, there were two distinct clusters of April outcomes following the MJO's being in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 1.500 or above for 3 or more consecutive days during the March 20-31 period as has been the case this year. One cluster (1981, 2002, and 2010) featured warmth in the East. The other cluster (1992 and 1996) featured a cool anomaly in the East and a warm anomaly in the West. A sizable majority (>80%) of years during which the AO has been, on average, strongly positive during the first 15 days of February were followed by a warmer than normal March. The preliminary February 1-15 AO average was +2.758. Only 1989 (+3.336) and 1990 (+2.948) had higher AO averages during this period. Recent rapid warming in ENSO Region 1+2 has also typically preceded a warmer than normal March and spring in the Middle Atlantic region. A warmer than normal March and spring remain the base case. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely. Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal March. There is an implied 94% probability that March 2020 will rank among the 10 warmest March cases on record. March will likely finish with a monthly mean temperature near 48.2°, which would rank as the 6th warmest March on record. Finally, in most cases following strong AO+ February and March periods, ridging is present in the East during April. As a result, April will likely be warmer than normal in the East.

Based on the historic data, no significant snowfalls (6" or more) are likely in the major Middle Atlantic cities (Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC) and Boston through the remainder of the 2019-2020 snow season. It is likely that Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC have seen their last measurable snowfall of winter 2019-2020. As New York City's last measurable snowfall this winter was January 18, that would mark the earliest such occurrence of the last measurable snowfall. The existing record is January 19, 2002. As a result, New York City is all but certain to finish winter 2019-2020 with less than 10" snow for the first time since winter 2011-2012 and for only the 10th time on record. Snowfall records go back to winter 1868-1869 (when 25.5" fell from January-March 1869). The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.8°C for the week centered around March 18. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.55°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.50°C. Neutral ENSO conditions will likely prevail through April. The SOI was -5.17 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +3.531. That was above the daily record value of +3.010 from 1976. Recent days have seen the AO surpass records set in 1976 and 1986, both of which featured warmer than normal April temperatures the eastern United States. Based on the latest guidance, it is possible that New York City has seen its last freeze of the winter, which occurred on March 1. That would be the second earliest such occurrence. The record is February 28, 1942. A "final warming" stratospheric seasonal event is underway. This will be the last note concerning the stratosphere until autumn, as the seasonal warming has little connection to Arctic blocking or its absence. On March 24, the MJO was in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 2.041 (RMM). The March 23-adjusted amplitude was 1.717. A sizable majority (>80%) of years during which the AO has been, on average, strongly positive during the first 15 days of February were followed by a warmer than normal March. The preliminary February 1-15 AO average was +2.758. Only 1989 (+3.336) and 1990 (+2.948) had higher AO averages during this period. Recent rapid warming in ENSO Region 1+2 has also typically preceded a warmer than normal March and spring in the Middle Atlantic region. A warmer than normal March and spring remain the base case. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely. Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal March. There is an implied 90% probability that March 2020 will rank among the 10 warmest March cases on record. March will likely finish with a monthly mean temperature near 48.0°, which would rank as the 7th warmest March on record. Finally, in most cases following strong AO+ February and March periods, ridging is present in the East during April. As a result, April will likely be warmer than normal in the East.

Yes. I believe you’re right.

The storm that brought record daily snowfall for March 23 in parts of central New York State and central New England and earlier today in parts of Maine departed. In its wake, today saw temperatures rebound across the region. Temperatures topped out mainly in the middle and upper 50s. Tomorrow will see temperatures hold in the upper 40s to lower 50s as another system brings some rain to the region. Daily snowfall records for yesterday included: Albany: 6.1" (old record: 2.7", 2005); Hartford: 3.4" (old record: 2.2", 2005); and, Worcester: 4.2" (old record: 4.1", 1992) Daily snowfall records for today included: Bangor: 3.4" (old record: 3.1", 1991) Based on the historic data, no significant snowfalls (6" or more) are likely in the major Middle Atlantic cities (Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC) and Boston through the remainder of the 2019-2020 snow season. It is likely that Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC have seen their last measurable snowfall of winter 2019-2020. As a result, New York City is all but certain to finish winter 2019-2020 with less than 10" snow for the first time since winter 2011-2012 and for only the 10th time on record. Snowfall records go back to winter 1868-1869 (when 25.5" fell from January-March 1869). The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.8°C for the week centered around March 18. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.55°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.50°C. Neutral ENSO conditions will likely prevail through April. The SOI was -9.67 today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +4.051. That easily surpassed the daily record of +3.176, which was set in 1986. A "final warming" stratospheric seasonal event is in its early stages of development. On March 23, the MJO was in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 1.715 (RMM). The March 22-adjusted amplitude was 1.685. A sizable majority (>80%) of years during which the AO has been, on average, strongly positive during the first 15 days of February were followed by a warmer than normal March. The preliminary February 1-15 AO average was +2.758. Only 1989 (+3.336) and 1990 (+2.948) had higher AO averages during this period. Recent rapid warming in ENSO Region 1+2 has also typically preceded a warmer than normal March and spring in the Middle Atlantic region. A warmer than normal March and spring remain the base case. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely. Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal March. There is an implied 77% probability that March 2020 will rank among the 10 warmest March cases on record. March will likely finish with a monthly mean temperature near 48.0°, which would rank as the 7th warmest March on record. Finally, in most cases following strong AO+ February and March periods, ridging is present in the East during April. As a result, April will likely be warmer than normal in the East.

Coastal regions saw rain occasionally mixed with snow. Across an area running from northeastern Pennsylvania, central New York State, and central New England, accumulating snow occurred. Snowfall will continue to accumulate in that area tonight. Through early this evening, snowfall amounts included: Albany: 0.2"; Binghamton: 2.4"; Boston: Trace; Bridgeport: Trace; Hartford: 0.9"; Islip: Trace; New York City: Trace; Newark: Trace; Providence: Trace; and, Worcester: 2.0" Based on the historic data, no significant snowfalls (6" or more) are likely in the major Middle Atlantic cities (Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC) and Boston through the remainder of the 2019-2020 snow season. It is increasingly likely that Baltimore, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC have seen their last measurable snowfall of winter 2019-2020. As a result, New York City is all but certain to finish winter 2019-2020 with less than 10" snow for the first time since winter 2011-2012 and for only the 10th time on record. Snowfall records go back to winter 1868-1869 (when 25.5" fell from January-March 1869). The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was +0.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was +0.8°C for the week centered around March 18. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged +0.55°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged +0.50°C. Neutral ENSO conditions will likely prevail through April. The SOI was not available today. Today, the preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) figure was +4.288. That was above the daily record of +4.253, which was set in 1986. A "final warming" stratospheric seasonal event will likely begin to develop during the last week of March. On March 22, the MJO was in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 1.686 (RMM). The March 21-adjusted amplitude was 1.678. A sizable majority (>80%) of years during which the AO has been, on average, strongly positive during the first 15 days of February were followed by a warmer than normal March. The preliminary February 1-15 AO average was +2.758. Only 1989 (+3.336) and 1990 (+2.948) had higher AO averages during this period. Recent rapid warming in ENSO Region 1+2 has also typically preceded a warmer than normal March and spring in the Middle Atlantic region. A warmer than normal March and spring remain the base case. February 2020 saw the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly increase by more than 0.50°C. Such a development has typically occurred before a warmer than normal summer. In all such cases, a warmer than normal spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. Therefore, a warmer than normal summer is currently more likely than not. Should Spring wind up warmer than normal, a warm or even hot summer will be very likely. Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal March. There is an implied 80% probability that March 2020 will rank among the 10 warmest March cases on record. March will likely finish with a monthly mean temperature near 48.0°, which would rank as the 7th warmest March on record. Finally, in most cases following strong AO+ February and March periods, ridging is present in the East during April. Such an outcome would favor a warmer than normal April in much of the East. The CFSv2 has been shifting in that direction in recent days.

Some light snow is falling in southern Westchester County. There is no accumulation.