New spring 2026 forecasts have warned of a potentially warm period for most Americans, with above-normal seasonal temperatures predicted for much of the contiguous United States, except for parts of the northern Plains, upper Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes and Northeast. This comes as much of Western U.S. has been experiencing a summer preview from a record-smashing heat dome across the region. Meanwhile, drought conditions are expected to worsen or develop for many areas in the West and south-central Plains. NOAA's Spring Outlook for April through June also indicated below-normal precipitation amounts for the Pacific Northwest, much of Intermountain West and Rockies, and areas in central and southern Plains. The overall flood risk across most of the continental U., currently assessed as normal to below normal, is low due to a dry winter and a well-below-normal snowpack. However, flooding is expected in areas such as the Red River of the North and the lower Ohio Valley.