Colorado Springs could see a hotter and wetter summer, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast.

Why it matters: More rain would be welcome news after a warm, dry winter. But higher temperatures could also increase wildfire risk around the Springs.

The big picture: The NWS seasonal outlook, released May 21, calls for above-average temperatures across much of the country through August.

• Colorado is also expected to see above-average precipitation, thanks in part to changing conditions in the Pacific Ocean.
• The outlook reflects a transition from La Niña to El Niño conditions, a shift that typically brings more Pacific moisture into the region.

Zoom in: A wetter summer could help ease some pressure on local water supplies. The city has avoided new drought restrictions and has roughly three years of water in reserve, though officials continue to encourage conservation after a dry winter.

🌧️ Colorado's below-average snowpack could also kick-start the summer monsoon season here.

• "With less snow cover to melt, the sun's energy can heat up the land surfaces more quickly late in the spring, allowing the subtropical high to develop earlier," Alan Smith, a meteorologist at OpenSnow, writes.

Yes, but: Not every forecast points in the same direction. Some models suggest parts of western Colorado could end up cooler and drier than expected.

What we're watching: Forecasters expect a Super El Niño — a period when ocean temperatures rise well above normal — to develop this year, raising the odds for a snowy winter.

🐻 A 125-pound black bear found a tree-mendous hiding spot over the weekend in the Barnes/Austin Bluffs neighborhood, but Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers eventually relocated the furry visitor. (Fox 21)

🔌 Colorado Springs Utilities' summer electric rates kicked in yesterday, meaning power costs jump during weekday evenings through Sept. 30. (KKTV)

• Off-peak: Weekdays before 5pm and after 9pm, plus weekends and most holidays.
• On-peak: Monday–Friday, 5–9pm.

🪁 The annual El Paso County Kite Festival returns June 20 at Falcon Regional Park in Elbert with a patriotic theme celebrating America's 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th. The free event runs from 10am–2pm.

🦠 The state confirmed a measles case in a Delta County child who had no known travel exposure, raising concerns about undetected community spread. (Denver Post 🔑 )

Colorado Springs ranks in the middle of the pack in a study of park quality across U.S. cities.

🌳 Trust for Public Land's annual report ranks the 100 most populous U.S. cities' park systems based on five categories: access, acreage, amenities, equity and investment.

By the numbers: Colorado Springs came in 66th. We performed best in two areas:

• 68% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
• The city scored above average for equitable distribution of parkland across income and ethnic groups.

Yes, but: We scored well below average in park amenities and investments.

• Case in point: The city is keeping 10 neighborhood park restrooms closed this summer as part of a budget shortfall.

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