Powerful Storm Threatens Utah with Potential Flooding

As 2025 approaches its final months, weather forecasts are painting a picture of the conditions the U.S. can expect in the coming weeks and months. The arrival of La Niña, a natural climate cycle, is set to have a significant impact on precipitation and temperatures across the country.

According to the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center, most of the U.S. will experience above-normal temperatures through the end of the year. However, the precipitation outlook is more varied. The Northwest is expected to see above-normal amounts of rainfall, while multiple states across the Four Corners area and into the South, including Texas, are predicted to have below-normal precipitation.

This uneven distribution of precipitation has already led to a flood watch being issued for a large portion of Utah. Remnants from the tropical system Priscilla are expected to bring heavy rains to southern and eastern parts of the state on Friday, followed by a cold front on Saturday that could trigger widespread showers and thunderstorms.

The impact of La Niña, marked by cooler-than-average ocean water in the tropical Pacific, is also anticipated to shape the upcoming winter. A typical La Niña winter in the U.S. brings cold and snow to the Northwest and unusually dry conditions to most of the southern states. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has indicated that this La Niña event is likely to be relatively weak, potentially leading to some surprises in the weather patterns.