Happy Summer! According to weather centers across the US, La Niña has been the source behind the extreme weather we’ve experienced since winter. It’s almost over, experts say, but there are certainly lingering effects:

West Coast - The Pacific Coastline will be having cooler than average temperatures with “June Gloom” persistent well into the summer. Ocean water will also be chillier.

Rockies / Southwestern Plains / Interior Southwest -While wild fires rage in Arizona, other parts of the Southwest are to remain dry all summer as well, increasing chances of wild fires in those areas. Experts predict the drought in the southwestern deserts to spread northwards into the central Rockies. Despite this dryness, the monsoon season is predicted to be back in full force after a hiatus in 2010.

Southern Plains / Southeast - The Southern Plains are going to be hot and dry in summer 2011, while Florida and surrounding states will be on high-alert for tropical storms and intense t-storms midseason. Temperatures won’t be as high as last year, experts say, but still within a few degrees.

Northeast - Despite the cloudy, damp weather the Northeastern states have had this spring, summer will prove to be quite comfortable. With a warm, dry start, summer 2011 will end with high humidity and showers for the North Atlantic. With the increased rainfall and pressure during the spring, experts say there is a chance that a tropical storm or two could sneak up the shore.

Great Lakes / Midwest - The lingering effect of La Niña will threaten the Great Lakes region with “no summer”. Being caught between cool air coming from Canada and warm, drought-condition air punching up from the Southwest, the Midwest will experience stronger than normal thunderstorms more frequently. As we saw with the Mississippi, flooding is the main concern for this area during summer 2011.

All in all, it’s gonna be a hot one! While not as intense as summer 2010 for some parts of our fair nation, other regions like the Southwest and Midwest are going through some extreme weather patterns this summer!

Backyard Ocean wants to remind you to stay cool and safe, wear sun block and exercise common sense while spending time outdoor this summer.

(For up-to-the-minute weather forecasting for your area visit weather.com or accuweather.com)