Summer's first month could feature hotter-than-average conditions in the nation's northern tier and parts of the West, while a wet month in the South might help keep big heat at bay in that region. Here's a look at what to expect in June, according to the latest outlook issued Friday by Atmospheric G2 and The Weather Company. -Most Persistent June Heat:Areas from the Northeast to the Great Lakes, upper Mississippi Valley and West are favored to have the best shot at above-average temperatures, so those heading to beaches and pools will be in luck if you enjoy the feel of summer. That could include New York City and Boston to Chicago, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Seattle. -A Large Area Can Expect A Typical June:Most other locations from the Plains to the South, Ohio Valley and southern mid-Atlantic are favored to be near to slightly above average. For context, you can see what June's usual average highs are like at the bottom of this article. -Upside-Down Pattern A Harbinger Of Summer:"The expected mid-June transition to a warm-north, cooler-south pattern aligns with the general summer forecast, and we expect this pattern to be the dominant one through August," said Todd Crawford, Vice President of Meteorology at Atmospheric G2 -Keep In Mind This Is An Overall Monthly Trend:For example, a chunk of the West will see near to cooler-than-average temperatures as June begins, but the 30 combined days in the month are expected to finish above average as a whole. -Wet End To Spring Carries Into June: Much of the Southeast has been soaked by above-average rainfall in May, including Atlanta, Jackson, Mississippi, and Columbia, South Carolina. This is the same general region where rainfall in June has the best shot at winding up above average. It also explains why temperatures in the region could be held in check to near average, although it will still be plenty humid. -Pacific Northwest Dryness Continues:Moderate drought conditionsare ongoing in western parts of Washington and northwest Oregon, including Seattle and Portland. While the Northwest region kicks off its usual drier summer months in June, the outlook calls for it to be even drier than usual, which could worsen or expand drought. -Northeast, Midwest:Average highs are in the 70s and 80s for much of these regions. The expectation of a hotter-than-average June might mean a few more 80s and 90s this year for areas from Minnesota to the Great Lakes and New England. -South:80s and 90s are commonplace in summer's first month, as well as plenty of humidity. Locations, where a wet June is forecast, might skew pretty close to these averages through the month. -West:Geography plays a big role here, with average highs ranging from the 60s and 70s in higher elevations and the Pacific Northwest to the 90s and 100s in the Desert Southwest. Chris Dolcehas been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for nearly 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
