AMES, I.A.(WNAX)- With an El Nino watch in place, outlooks for summer in the northern plains are turning warmer and drier.

Iowa State Climatologist Justin Glisan moderated this month’s North Central Region Climate update.

He says the June forecast shows the beginnings of that warm, dry pattern.

Glisan says the outlooks for summer are also starting to show that pattern.

Glisan says they are seeing a reduction in drought areas across the region.

An El Nino watch has been issued which means climate observers are expecting that to develop by late summer into early fall.