WSI Calls for Cool Summer in Most of Eastern US, Warm Summer in Much of Western US WSI expects the upcoming summer (June-August) to average cooler than normal across most of the eastern US, with above-normal temperatures common across the western US. The highest probability for a cool summer is in the Southeast, while the Southwest, Rockies, and Northwest are most likely to have a warm summer. The WSI seasonal outlooks reference a standard 30-year normal (1971-2000). Andover, MA (PRWEB) May 28, 2009 WSI expects the upcoming summer (June-August) to average cooler than normal across most of the eastern US, with above-normal temperatures common across the western US. The highest probability for a cool summer is in the Southeast, while the Southwest, Rockies, and Northwest are most likely to have a warm summer. The WSI seasonal outlooks reference a standard 30-year normal (1971-2000). "We expect most of the significant and prolonged heat this summer to be confined to drought-plagued areas of the western US," said WSI seasonal forecaster Dr. Todd Crawford. "Our internal forecast models all suggest that the coolest temperatures, relative to normal, will be found in the Southeast this summer, with near to slightly below-normal temperatures in the Northeast. The North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans are now both cooler than normal for the first time in 15 years. This fact, along with a lack of any significant drought conditions in the eastern US and a trend towards El Nino conditions, should result in a relatively cool summer east of the Rockies. We do think that the best chance for market-moving heat in the Northeast will be early in the summer, before a cooler pattern sets in during the last half of the summer." In June, WSI predicts regional temperature anomalies as follows:
According to Paul Flemming, ESAI's Director of Power and Gas, "The WSI June forecast indicates slightly warmer-than-normal temperatures across the northern tier of the country with cooler-than-normal temperatures in much of the south. A marginally higher probability of early-season heat events is bullish for electricity demand and prices, although prices will be tempered by lower demand due to economic conditions. Cooler weather in the Southeast and South Central regions as well as California should result in slightly lower gas demand from the power sector providing an offset to higher demand expectations in the Southwest." In July, WSI sees the monthly breakdown as:
"The WSI July forecast indicates cooler-than-normal temperatures in all of the major load centers across the country, including California, Texas and the East," said Paul Flemming of ESAI. "Cooler-than-normal temperatures across most of the country will result in significantly lower gas demand and would be bearish for prices in the absence of hurricane activity. Power prices in the major markets are likely to be moderate with lower demand expectations due to the cooler outlook and the economic climate, as well as a low gas price environment. The cooler outlook reduces the likelihood of major heat events." In August WSI forecasts:
"The WSI August forecast indicates cooler-than-normal temperatures in most of the East as well as Texas. While the western regions are expected to be slightly warmer than normal, natural gas demand from the power sector is also likely to be below normal in August," noted Paul Flemming. "Two months of below-normal demand this summer would be bearish for natural gas prices in light of market expectations that natural gas inventories are already expected to be very full at the end of the injection season. Cooler temperatures, lower demand for power and low natural gas prices will continue to moderate power prices in most markets this August." WSI, which provides customized weather information to energy traders, issues its seasonal outlook twice-monthly. The next new forecast package (for the July-September and August-October periods) will be issued on June 24. About WSI:
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