Drought or Deluge? Experts Predict Rainfall Trends Across the US This Year.

La Niña Conditions: A weak La Niña is present, typically leading to drier conditions in the southern U.S. and wetter conditions in the northern regions.

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Northern U.S. Precipitation: Above-normal precipitation is favored from the Great Lakes region to the Ark-La-Tex area, indicating a wetter year ahead for these regions.

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Southern U.S. Drought: Below-normal precipitation is expected across the southern U.S., including Colorado and western Kansas, which may lead to persistent drought conditions.

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Drought Outlook: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates drought to persist over most of the Northern Plains and into the Missouri River basin, with equal chances or below-normal chances for precipitation.

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Regional Variations: While the northern regions are expected to experience increased rainfall, the southern regions may face drier conditions, potentially exacerbating existing droughts.

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Wildfire Risk: Drier conditions in the Southwest and Southern Plains elevate the risk of wildfires during the year.

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Water Resources: Variations in precipitation may impact water supply management, with potential shortages in drier areas and potential flooding in wetter regions.

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Health Concerns: Drought conditions can lead to water scarcity and air quality issues, while excessive rainfall may increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

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