From June through August, warmer-than-normal temperatures are likely in northern regions of the United States and along the West Coast, with slightly below-normal conditions eyed for parts of the Southeast and Ohio Valley, according to the latest outlook from The Weather Company released May 22.
In June, warmer-than-normal conditions are eyed in the central U.S., the Northwest and the Southwest, with near-average temperatures expected in the Northeast and Southeast.
In July, warmer-than-usual temperatures are anticipated for much of the country, with normal to slightly-cooler-than-usual conditions seen for the Southeast and central U.S.
"Q3 is where the rubber hits the road in most regions, as the net demand will be the main driver of power burn numbers. At this time, we expect the demand in each month to average anywhere from 2-3 Bcf/d over last year, as more gas-fired units are online and coal retirements will be exposed due to falling overall wind generation when you compare it to the current levels," said Jeff Richter, principal at EnergyGPS, which prepared the forecast in conjunction with The Weather Company.
In August, warmer-than-average conditions are expected in the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest and south central U.S. Normal to slightly cooler-than-normal temperatures are seen across the rest of the country.
"The forecast for August suggests limited risks of big heat in the eastern U.S., which should keep cash markets at bay. Limited heat across ERCOT and SPP should keep power demand in check there as well," Richter added.
The Weather Company will issue its next seasonal temperature outlook June 26.
