Residents of Salt Lake City are facing a wet end to 2024, as the National Weather Service forecasts a mix of rain and snow for the weekend leading into the New Year. As of 7:05 AM this morning, Salt Lake City was enveloped in rain with a cool temperature of 39°F and a humidity level standing at 86%. According to the National Weather Service, the precipitation is expected to be relentless today with a 100% chance, potentially mixed with snow in the morning, followed by just rain as the temperature climbs to a high near 44°F. Carry an umbrella if you're heading out, as the south-southeast wind isn't expected to be strong enough to chase the clouds away quite yet.
The soggy conditions are slated to continue into the night, with the rain expected before 2 AM, then tapering to only a slight chance of precipitation after 5 AM. The nighttime will see temperatures hold steady at around 37°F, with a gentle east-southeast wind of around 7 mph. While the rain isn't going anywhere fast, snow accumulation is projected to be minimal for the day, so those dreaming of a white New Year may need to temper their expectations. The NWS anticipates little to no snow accumulation throughout Saturday's wet weather.
Looking ahead to Sunday, residents can expect a slight chance of rain before 8 AM followed by, once more, a slight chance of rain after 11 AM with clouds on the increase. The mercury is set to rise to a more comfortable high near 52°F, with southsoutheast winds of 6 to 10 mph. However, the chance of rain persists at 20% during the day.
The wintry mix will take a snowy turn on Sunday night, as rain is forecasted before 2 AM, then giving way to likely snow showers. With the night set to cool down to around 27°F, and a south wind shifting to the west-northwest after midnight, new snow accumulation could be less than a half inch. Monday morning still holds a 20 percent chance of snow before making way to mostly sunny skies, suggesting that the last day of the year might offer a break from the persistent precipitation that has marked the closing days of December.
As festivities ramp up for New Year's Eve, the weather seems to offer no dramatic reprieve, forecasting mostly cloudy skies with a low of around 21°F. The New Year itself should usher in partly sunny conditions, but temperatures remain chilly for the first day of 2025, sticking near 37°F.
