NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
Major weather pattern changes
in March marked a return to closer-to-seasonal temperatures during the latter
half of the month for Montana, a welcome change after a brutally cold February.
It was also a dramatic change
from the well above average February precipitation across the state to well
below average for precipitation totals at mountain and valley locations.
According to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service snow survey data, all
mountain locations experienced well below normal snowfall for the month.
Long-range forecasts issued by
the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center indicate increased
chances of above average temperatures across the western half of the state from
April – June and increased probability of precipitation across the southern
half of the state.
“If this winter has taught me
anything, it’s to expect the unexpected,” said Lucas Zukiewicz, NRCS water
supply specialist.
