Most of U.S. to face above-normal temperatures through July: Outlook

The National Weather Service on Thursday released its seasonal temperature outlook for May through July. 

What’s happening: Almost the entire U.S. faces between a 33 and 70 percent chance of experiencing above-normal temperatures during the period, the agency predicts, with normal defined as the 30-year average.  

Zoom in: Parts of Utah, Nevada, and Idaho have the highest chances, at 60 to 70 percent, while just three states — Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota — and parts of a few others nearby have equal chances of temps being above or below normal. 

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

• Tom Di Liberto, a scientist with nonprofit Climate Central, said Thursday that “the risk is high enough to be worried.” Go deeper