The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a wind advisory for the Northern Wasatch Front and Salt Lake Valley, effective from 11 AM to 10 PM MDT Saturday. Residents in affected areas, including Sandy, West Jordan, Bountiful, Ogden, and Salt Lake City, are advised to prepare for south to southwest winds expected to be 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts around 45 mph, and local gusts potentially reaching up to 55 mph. According to the advisory, unsecured objects may become airborne and a few power outages could result. Motorists driving high-profile vehicles and those towing trailers are urged to use extra caution on the roads during this time.
The unsettled weather is forecasted to bring a chance of showers throughout the day, turning more likely to include thunderstorms between noon and 3 pm, followed by a dip in probability after 3 pm. Today's highs are predicted to hover near 89 degrees, with winds intensifying in the afternoon, capable of gusting as high as 33 mph. The National Weather Service website notes the 60% chance of precipitation, indicating a day to keep umbrellas close and to loosely secure patio furniture.
Later tonight, the weather is expected to clear up, making way for mostly clear skies and a low of around 66 degrees. The southeast wind will remain active at 10 to 18 mph, with gusts potentially soaring as high as 32 mph. This brief respite from the rough weather will lead into a sunny Saturday with highs ticking close to 88 degrees and breezy conditions carrying over into the afternoon.
In addition to the wind advisory, authorities have not failed to note the ongoing Red Flag Warning in effect until midnight MDT Saturday night for the Salt Lake Desert, Central Utah West Desert, and Color Country West Desert. With wind speeds forecasted to rock the deserts at a steady 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, combined with relative humidity values as low as 7 percent, these conditions could rapidly spread any new or existing fires, as per National Weather Service.
Residents in and around the affected zones are urged to follow the guidance laid out in these advisories and to stay updated on the latest weather conditions by visiting the National Weather Service.
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