Spring Weather Outlook

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says despite the current cold, this spring will be a mixture of drought, flooding and unseasonably warm weather across the nation. NOAA officials held a teleconference Thursday morning.  

Deputy Director Laura Furgione says the nation can expect above normal temperatures over the next 90 days. Furgione says unlike last year, Indiana can expect above normal precipitation. In short, Furgione says according to their models, Indiana should not expect a drought this year. However, she says 51 percent of the continental U.S. remains in moderate drought. That‘s down from two-thirds last year.

Furgione says spring breakers will see some rain if they‘re headed toward the east coast. She says rain should hit later this week and run into next week.

FEMA Deputy Director Karen Marsh says this week is National Flood Safety Awareness Week. Marsh says it‘s important for people to get NOAA radios and log onto to floodsmart.gov for information about flood insurance policies.

Marsh says all homes should have emergency kits for the possibility of flood or fires.

Furgione says they remain passionate about building a "weather ready nation."