GERMANTOWN, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Following last year’s below-average rainfalls and above-average
temperatures that brought drought conditions to nearly two-thirds of the
U.S., the WeatherBug®
Meteorology Team at Earth
Networks^SM is releasing its 2013 U.S. Summer Forecast.

“Last year, the mercury soared – making 2012 the third-hottest summer on
record in the continental U.S.”

WeatherBug is forecasting a summer season similar to 2012 for much of
the continental U.S. For summer 2013, WeatherBug indicates a distinct
threat for above-normal temperatures from west Texas across the Great
Plains into the central and Southern Rockies, and across the Mid-South.
Areas around the Great Lakes and the Southeast coast will
favor near-normal seasonal temperatures. Only one small pocket of
slightly cooler-than-normal conditions is expected along the coast of
the Pacific Northwest.

The WeatherBug Meteorologists at Earth Networks analyzed a range of
factors – including La Niña and El Niño patterns, climate and sea
surface temperatures, and other data – to develop their forecast. Here’s
what to expect this summer:

• Where’s the Heat? Expect above-normal temperatures from
  northern and western Texas to Oklahoma and the western plains. The
  Four Corners states of Colorado (including the Denver metro area), New
  Mexico, Arizona and Nevada, and states in the southeast including
  Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama will likely see higher temperatures as
  well – prompting increased energy use as air-conditioners blast
  full-force to counter the hot conditions outside.
• Above-Normal Cities: While the impact of warmer temperatures
  will be largely felt by rural areas, several cities have somewhat
  increased chances for above-normal temperatures this summer. Boston
  and coastal New England have somewhat increased chances for
  above-normal temperatures, as does Dallas. In the central U.S., cities
  including St. Louis, Memphis, Kansas City and Oklahoma City are slated
  to see higher temperatures. Houston – where power grids have been
  strained in recent years to keep up with demand – is expected to see
  close-to-normal temperatures.
• Limited Relief from Drought: The severe and prolonged drought
  will likely continue as areas already hard hit by record low
  precipitation are set to receive below-normal rainfall this
  summer. Expect drier conditions throughout the central U.S., including
  northern and western Texas, western Oklahoma, areas in the Four
  Corners states, and regions along the eastern border of California. In
  these areas, limited rainfall will further task low water reservoirs,
  increase wildfire risk, and challenge agricultural interests.
• Cooler States: Out of the entire continental U.S., the coastal
  areas of Oregon and western Washington state are the only areas
  of the nation expected to see below-normal temperatures this summer,
  continuing a trend from the past few years due to sustained
  cooler-than-normal water in the eastern Pacific Ocean near the
  northwestern U.S.
• On-Track for Normal Temps: Florida’s Gulf Coast and the
  southeast coast of the U.S. from North Carolina down to Florida will
  see average temperatures. The states surrounding the Great Lakes
  indicate normal temperatures for June through August. Large coastal
  cities, including New York, are also on-track for typical summer
  conditions. Across the country, Los Angeles is expected to see
  near-normal temperatures this summer.

“Last year, the mercury soared – making 2012 the third-hottest summer on
record in the continental U.S.,” says Senior Meteorologist James Aman of
the WeatherBug Meteorology team at Earth Networks. “After examining all
available data, we expect to see a summer that is somewhat similar to
2012. But one of the biggest stories weather-wise we will be watching is
the drought across Texas into the Southern Rockies. When you factor in
extreme weather, including severe storms with lightning and tornadoes
that are already making their appearance across the country, we will
likely be in for an interesting season.”

WeatherBug is one of the top names in weather. Every day, millions turn
to WeatherBug for neighborhood-level conditions, forecasts and the
fastest alerts from the largest real-time weather network. Get
WeatherBug on your smartphone and tablet on Android,
iOS,
Windows
Phone and the new Windows
8. For computer users, the WeatherBug
website, desktop
app and Chrome
app provide up-to-the-minute information and alerts. Plan your day
and Know Before™ with WeatherBug.

About Earth
Networks – WeatherBug

For 20 years, we have been Taking the Pulse of the Planet™ by gathering
and analyzing atmospheric observations using the world’s largest weather
observation and lightning detection networks so our customers can Know
Before™. Real-time weather and lightning data – gathered every few
seconds from thousands of sensors across the planet – keep consumers,
businesses, and governments around the globe informed with
neighborhood-level weather intelligence, updated with the most current
forecasts, and alerted to approaching severe weather with the fastest
alerts. The company’s popular WeatherBug^® mobile,
desktop
and online apps, and website
provide local weather, superior forecasts and advanced severe weather
alerts to millions of consumers. Earth Networks’ enterprise solutions
support utilities, schools, professional sports teams, emergency
response crews, government entities and others in safeguarding lives,
preparing for weather events, and optimizing business operations. Learn
more at www.earthnetworks.com.
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