Old Farmers Almanac Predicts Warmer, Wetter Fall For Southern Utah
Well, here it is the first day of fall, and The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its long-range forecast for the 2026 season, offering Utah residents an early look at what to expect as summer gives way to cooler weather.
According to the Almanac, the Intermountain region, which includes Utah, is expected to see temperatures running warmer than normal in the southern portions of the region this fall. At the same time, precipitation is forecast to be slightly above average across the region.
For Southern Utah, that could mean a fall that takes a little longer to settle into the cooler temperatures many residents associate with the season. The warmer outlook could extend the period of comfortable outdoor activities, while the possibility of above-average precipitation could bring some welcome moisture to an area where fall can often be quite dry.
The forecast comes as Utah begins its annual transition from summer to autumn. In Southern Utah, that transition can be gradual, with warm afternoons continuing well into the season while nighttime temperatures begin to drop. Higher elevations typically experience the change more quickly, bringing cooler temperatures and the changing colors that attract visitors and residents alike.
How Does The Almanac Compile The Forecast
The Old Farmer’s Almanac bases its long-range forecasts on a combination of solar science, climatology and meteorology, comparing expected conditions with historical 30-year averages. The publication says its long-range forecasts are about 80 percent accurate, although it emphasizes that these forecasts are intended to provide a general picture of seasonal conditions rather than predict the weather on any particular day.
That distinction is worth remembering in Southern Utah, where local weather can change quickly depending on elevation and location. A forecast for the broader Intermountain region cannot tell us whether Cedar City will have an unusually warm afternoon in October or whether an early-season storm will bring snow to the mountains.
Read More: State Route 153 Not Available For Fall Viewing Activities
Still, the seasonal outlook provides something to watch as fall approaches. For Southern Utah, the early indication is a season that could be warmer than normal, with somewhat more precipitation than usual.
And as anyone who has lived here for a while knows, “fall” in Southern Utah can mean just about anything. We may get crisp mornings, warm afternoons, changing leaves and an occasional reminder from Mother Nature that winter is waiting just around the corner.
[PHOTOS] Drive the Scenic River Route to Moab, Utah
Gallery Credit: Wes Adams
