(NOAA – Lori Hayes)

As La Niña fades, meteorologists expect ENSO-neutral conditions to set in for the Northern Hemisphere’s spring and summer. ENSO stands for El Niño-Southern Oscillation, the term describing the weather pattern encompassing La Niña and El Niño. ENSO-neutral is the third phase of the pattern and the middle ground between La Niña (cooler ocean temperatures) and El Niño (warmer ocean temperatures).

ENSO-neutral conditions should mean temperature and precipitation will be closer to average through summer. However, it doesn’t guarantee that the weather will be normal. Experts are concerned with both lingering drought and areas inundated with rain. Dry weather could present challenges through the growing season, while excess rain could inhibit spring planting work. With a mild start to March, it’s possible another spell of cold, winter weather could make its way back through the Central U.S. in early April, which would provide some additional moisture.

Experts believe the Mississippi could split the country in terms of precipitation, with more rain falling east of the river than west.

Read more about projected spring and summer weather predictions here.