Salt Lake City residents woke up to a chilly Martin Luther King Day, with brisk northerly winds and a forecast for clear, cold, sunny skies. According to the National Weather Service, today's high is expected to hover around 23°F, while wind chill values may drop as low as 5°F. Early morning reports indicated a temperature of 17°F with a wind chill making it feel more like 5°F.
For those venturing outside, the weather demands layers and warmth, as the NWS notes a dewpoint of 5°F and humidity at 58%. Winds were traveling north at a steadfast 10 MPH. These conditions presented a mostly cloudy vista that, although impressive in its wintry austerity, indicated a biting reality for those without the refuge of a heated interior. The night promises to be crisper still, with the mercury slated to dip down to around 9°F, though winds are expected to calm later in the evening.
Looking ahead, the NWS forecasts a modest warming trend as the week progresses. Tuesday offers mostly sunny skies with highs up to around 35°F, still accompanied by a wind chill that could feel as cold as 4°F. By midweek, residents can anticipate more sunshine with a mostly clear Wednesday night. These conditions hold the promise of slightly warmer temperatures by Thursday, with daytime highs approaching 38°F.
As the weekend approaches, there's a marked shift in the weather pattern. By Friday, the city is likely to see a high near 43°F under mostly cloudy skies. The tranquility, however, may peter out as there's a slight chance of snow entering the forecast Friday night. The possibility of wintry precipitation persists through the weekend, with daytime highs dropping back down to the mid-30s and clouds dominating the skies. A chance of snow continues to threaten the peace of the valley, with Saturday night lows expected to fall to around 18°F, per the NWS.
