New weather outlook points to a hotter and drier spring in Central Texas

Central Texas is set to bring the heat this spring.

The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center has a new outlook that points to La Niña lasting longer than expected. The climate pattern, which happens in the Pacific Ocean every few years, had mild effects on Austin back in November.

But now, it appears drought conditions could linger for a while and change springtime humidity, and Austin can expect hotter and drier weather than usual for this time of year.

Hints of upcoming weather patterns came in February, with a strengthening of below-average sea-surface temperatures across the central and east-central tropical Pacific.

As for how it impacts Austin, expect the dry and heat to last at least into the summertime. Plus, there’s a more than 50% chance it lasts through August.

After that, there’s a chance another La Niña phase could hit. The outlook noted a 45% chance of it compared to a 45% chance it stays neutral.

After the second La Niña winter in a row, weather blogs wonder if we’re headed for a three-peat, but note that they’re rare. Only two have happened since 1950.