Energy market bulls could receive some much-needed support over the next few months as above-normal temperatures are expected for a large portion of the United States, according to a new outlook released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC).

According to the government agency’s forecast, there is an elevated chance of above-normal temperatures for the August-October period, except for the central region and much of Alaska.

“As of mid-July above-average soil moisture was observed in the southern Great Plains — some places are extremely wet and this should help moderate temperatures in the next month or two,” said CPC forecaster Huug Van Den Dool. “So the chances of below- near- or above-normal temperatures are about equal in [August, September and October] 2007 in most of the Great Plains.”

According to the CPC’s precipitation forecast for the three-month period, hydropower producers in the West, which have already faced drought-based challenges this year, might be working with reduced water levels on an extended basis.

The CPC’s outlook for August, September and October calls for below median precipitation from parts of Nevada, Idaho and California into the interior Pacific Northwest. However, the East Coast and the Gulf couldn’t have a more different forecast.

“Above median precipitation amounts are indicated in coastal areas of the East and Gulf Coast for the late summer and early fall reflecting trend and/or the multi-decadal variability in Atlantic tropical activity,” Van Den Dool said. “However, this should not be interpreted as an indication of hurricane strike probabilities.”

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