While thunderstorms and heavy rain are not unusual for this part of the country, many residents have checked their weather app to see far more severe thunderstorm and flood warnings than usual this year.
As of Sept. 22, 259 flash flood warnings have been issued across the state since the beginning of 2026, doubling the previous yearly high of 130 in 2017. The year to date precipitation has surpassed its average as well. Logan has seen nearly 43 inches of precipitation since the start of the year, almost 10 inches more than its year-to-date average of just over 33 inches.
While some of this came through snowfall early in the year, much of the precipitation has accumulated in the past few months. Since July 1, over 22 inches of rain has fallen on Logan.
So, why has it been so rainy? I’s complicated.
One major part of the process is the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific is experiencing a super El Niño, during which water temperatures rise far more than they would during a typical El Niño. In fact, this year’s is expected to break records as one of the strongest in history.
The warming water has created warmer temperatures and more evaporation, pushing more water vapor into the air. Meanwhile...