(NDAgConnection.com) – The La Nina phase that has been present across the Equatorial Pacific Ocean for the last several months continues to persist. Sea-surface temperatures in the region are still running between 1 and 2 degrees cooler than average for the most part.

The latest long-range climate models indicate about an 80% chance of this La Nina lasting through this fall and about a 60% chance of the La Nina phase remaining in place through the upcoming winter season. After that, as we head toward next spring, the La Nina phase may begin to transition into more of a neutral phase, reports PowerGrid International.

As for the October temperature outlook, slightly above normal temperatures are projected across portions of the Intermountain West, south-central Rockies, and south-central Plains. Parts of the Northeast may also see temperatures that average slightly warmer than normal during the month of October as there is a possibility that the NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) could remain positive. These regions of the country could see a monthly deficit of early-season heating degree days of between 20 and 60 as well as slightly lower energy costs with respect to heating.

Much of the rest of the United States will likely see temperatures that on a whole average closer to normal. There is a slight chance that parts of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies could see slightly cooler than average temperatures, but this was not indicated on the map as the possibility was deemed too low.