Posted August 16, 2009, 10:55 AM.

The major factor cited is higher than normal sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean. An strong El Nino pattern was declared to be in effect about a month ago, and is likely to last through the upcoming winter.

For winter, a 33% chance of higher than normal precipitation, along with average temperatures, was predicted. See the maps at the CPC web site. Predictions of the greater than normal rainfall and snowfall are for much of the southwest and southeast, and some of the midwest regions of the United States. Above average temperatures were forecast for the deserts.

For fall, average temperatures and precipitation were predicted for the coastal and inland areas. See the maps at the CPC web site. Above average temperatures were also forecast for the season for the desert regions.