Temperatures just dropped pretty significantly after a cold front passed through our area, but the long-range forecast looks warm(er) and dry.
These outlook maps are put out by the Climate Prediction Center and look 8-14 days in the future, so this is the projection picks up where our 7-day forecast ends. CPC is forecasting above average temperatures and below average precipitation (rain).
But it's not just two weeks in the future. In their 3-4 week outlook, which takes us through the new year, CPC still forecasts drier than normal conditions. Through that same time period, the temperature forecast is for equal chances of seeing above average or below average temperatures.
With dry conditions likely to develop, remember we are already experiencing dry conditions in our area. Our southern-most communities are in Severe Drought with areas both to the north and to the south of Louisville experiencing Moderate Drought. We need prolonged, soaking rain to bring us out of drought conditions and don't seem likely to get it in the next few weeks.
For reference, average high temperatures at the end of the year in our area are in the middle and upper 40s. Average low temperatures are in the low 30s, and average precipitation is a little over a tenth of an inch of rain each day.
