It's not surprising with temperatures running 10-15 degrees above average in the low to mid 90s (heat index 95-100) that people are wondering if we're heading into another extremely hot and dry summer like last year. At this point, it doesn't look like that will be the case. Take a look at the three-month temperature outlook from the Climate Prediction Center below. Much of the Ohio Valley and Upper Midwest is under an area with better chances of below average temperatures!
The one-month CPC outlook is calling for above average temperatures, but as we saw, the three-month outlook is calling for a good chance of below average temperatures later this summer. So, if the forecast plays out, it will remain a very warm/hot June, with some hope of relief in July or August. Unfortunately, a little below average in July and August is probably still going to be pretty hot.
Now, as far as precipitation goes... the CPC is calling for "equal chances". This means a good chance of "normal" amounts of rainfall. All of this looks pretty favorable in hoping to avoid a drought, and would not lead to a repeat of last summer's hot and dry weather. Fingers crossed.
