OKLAHOMA CITY, O.K.(WNAX)- Heavy rain in the southwest part of the United States can draw moisture away from the northern plains.

Doug Kluck, Climate Services Director for the National Weather Service Central Region, says that has been underway for the past several weeks.

Kluck says long term weather patterns have been moving more precipitation into the central parts of the country.

Kluck says with another La Nina possible, there is no guarantee that southwest moisture will continue.

Predictions are for a third year of La Nina, which could lead to a colder than normal winter across the northern plains.