Most of U.S. in for a hotter-than-normal June: Outlook

Most of the U.S. will face a hotter-than-normal June, the National Weather Service forecasts in its latest monthly temperature outlook, released Thursday. 

What’s happening: The Pacific Northwest has the highest chance — 60 to 70 percent — of experiencing above-normal temperatures during the month, with ‘normal’ defined as the 30-year average, while the Florida-Georgia-South Carolina area has a 50 to 60 percent chance. 

• Meanwhile, the area spanning the Great Lakes region to New England, as well as parts of Texas, faces equal chances of temperatures being above or below normal. 

The big picture: Meteorologists have noted that a strong El Niño climate pattern could emerge this summer, leading to global heat records, as well as severe storms and droughts.