The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) is responsible for issuing seasonal climate outlook
maps for one to thirteen months in the future. In addition, the CPC issues extended range
outlook maps for 6-10 and 8-14 days as well as several special outlooks, such as degree
day, drought and soil moisture, and a forecast for daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation index.
Many of the outlook maps have an accompanying technical discussion. The CPC's outlook and
forecast products complement the short range weather forecasts issued by other components
of the National Weather Service (e.g. local Weather Forecast Offices, and National Centers
for Environmental Prediction). These weather and climate products comprise the National
Weather Service's Suite of Forecast Products.
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One-Month to
Three-Month Climate Outlooks
The CPC issues maps showing the probabilities of
temperature, precipitation and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) deviation from normal for
the next month and three month periods. These outlooks are issued from 2 weeks to 13 months in
advance, for the lower 48 states and Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. In addition,
seasonal climate outlooks show average temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) and precipitation (inches) for the
lower 48 states by climate regions, and probability
of exceedance outlook.
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Special Outlook Products
The CPC also issues a Palmer Drought Outlook, Weekly Degree Day Outlook, 14-day Calculated
Soil Moisture Outlook, Probability of Exceedance Outlook, daily UV Index Forecast, Atlantic and
East Pacific Hurricane Outlooks and verification of seasonal outlooks.
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