An arctic blast could be in forecast for the U.S. during December 2025, with a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) being forecast to disrupt the polar vortex. This will result in a spill of arctic air across mid-latitudes and below average temperatures across the U.S.
Flash floods prompted multiple rescues in Wickenburg and Tonopah, Arizona, on November 18, 2025, following several days of heavy rainfall across western Maricopa and Yavapai counties.
The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a Moderate Risk of Excessive Rainfall for south-central Texas through Thursday, November 20, 2025, with 75–125 mm (3–5 inches) of rain possible and locally higher totals. The same frontal system is forecast to advance eastward into eastern Oklahoma and the Ozarks by Thursday night, bringing a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall to those regions.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing for a 70-year-old man who went missing after his vehicle got swept away by flooding in Cordes Lakes, Yavapai County, Arizona on November 18, 2025.
Flood Watches are in effect for parts of southern and central Texas through Thursday, November 20, 2025, as a low-pressure system moves east across the southwestern United States. The Weather Prediction Center has placed portions of the Southwest under a Slight Risk of Excessive Rainfall, with some areas expected to receive up to 150 mm (6 inches) of rain.
A Winter Storm Warning and a Freeze Watch is in effect for parts of California and Nevada through early Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Santa Barbara recorded 169.5 mm (6.67 inches) of rain over a three-day period ending November 17 2025, setting a new rainfall record for the county. The series of atmospheric rivers that brought the record rainfall caused at least 7 fatalities in California due to heavy rain, flooding, and rough seas.
A Blizzard Warning is in effect for the Kuskokwim Delta coast and Nunivak Island, Alaska, until 05:00 AKST Monday, November 17, 2025, with visibility down to 400 m (1/4 mile), additional snow of 5–10 cm (2–4 inches), and wind gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph) expected.
Heavy snow and gusts to about 65 km/h (40 mph) are forecast for the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park in California on Monday, November 17, 2025, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 16:00 PST. A brief break is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by increased chances for rain and snow showers on Thursday, November 20.
At least 6 fatalities have been reported as of Sunday, November 16, 2025, as a powerful atmospheric river continues to impact California. With heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm (8 inches) being forecast, authorities are preparing for the threat of flash floods, landslides, debris flows across the state.
