April's Temperature Forecast: Will You See Spring Fever Or Be Frustratingly Cool In The New Month?

April Outlook, Spring Fever Or Leftover Chill?

Temperatures in April might bring thoughts of spring fever to many in the central and southern United States, while some in the northern tier might have to endure frustratingly cool weather.

Here's a look at what to expect for temperatures and precipitation in the new month, according to the latest outlook issued Friday by Atmospheric G2 and The Weather Company.

Temperature Forecast

• Spring Fever: At least somewhat warmer-than-average temperatures are possible from the South into the mid-Mississippi Valley, Plains and central and southern Rockies. Shorts and t-shirts might get worn most often from portions of the lower-Mississippi Valley to the Southern and Central Plains and the Four Corners region since that's where temperatures are forecast to be farthest above average.
• Leftover Winter Chill: The Northwest, northern Great Lakes, New England and Upstate New York are most favored for temperatures that are at least slightly cooler than average, so keep that jacket handy.
• It's A Highly Uncertain Forecast: Atmospheric G2 forecasters have cautioned the outlook for April is more uncertain than a typical month. "The uncertainty may be explained by the lack of consensus on the evolution/strength of the MJO," said Todd Crawford, Vice President of Meteorology at Atmospheric G2. MJO stands for the Madden-Julian oscillation, which is a global pattern of rainfall and dry weather near the equator that can influence weather conditions in the United States and elsewhere.

Precipitation Forecast

• Odds Tilt Toward Wet Spring Start In North: The Great Lakes and parts of the upper and mid-Mississippi valleys are most favored to see above average precipitation. Conditions could be at least somewhat wetter than typical in the Northeast, Ohio Valley and the Northwest.
• Dry Gulf Coast States Favored: Locations from South Texas to much of Louisiana, the southern halves of Mississippi and Alabama, southern Georgia and Florida are the most likely areas to see below-average rainfall. This could keep the threat of wildfire concerns in Florida elevated, as well as worsen ongoing drought conditions in the state's peninsula.

Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for nearly 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.