Salt Lake City rolled into Wednesday under cool, soggy skies, with light rain and temperatures hovering around 39°F at Salt Lake City International Airport. The valley is set for a steady morning soak before the rain breaks into scattered showers and a few isolated thunderstorms this afternoon, with highs climbing into the mid‑50s. Up high, ski areas and canyon roads will see heavy, wet snow above canyon level through Thursday, which could slow travel into the resorts.
When Rain And Thunder Roll In
The National Weather Service expects rain to be likely before 2 p.m., followed by showers and thunderstorms into the late afternoon, with about a 90% chance of precipitation and highs near 55°F. The most disruptive valley downpours are favored between roughly noon and early evening, when brief, low‑visibility bursts are most likely. For the latest hour‑by‑hour timing and tweaks to the forecast, check the National Weather Service.
Afternoon Commute And Airport Impacts
Plan on a sloppy afternoon drive. Heavier showers and a few thunderstorms could quickly cut visibility and create short‑lived ponding on streets, ramps, and bridges. Southerly winds should stay around 6 to 10 mph in general, but gusts may run higher inside stronger cells. At Salt Lake City International, intermittent MVFR ceilings and variable, gusty winds are possible during heavier showers, which could shuffle arrival and departure timing. If you are flying this afternoon, give yourself extra time and keep an eye on airline and airport notices.
Mountains And Canyons
Winter Weather Advisories remain posted for the northern and southern mountains through Thursday, with snow totals generally in the 6 to 12 inch range and locally higher amounts up to 15 inches in the upper Cottonwoods and at Brian Head, according to the NWS forecast discussion. Forecasters highlight two main bursts of moderate to heavy mountain snow: one from mid‑morning into midday Wednesday, and another from Wednesday evening into early Thursday, with snowfall rates briefly near or topping an inch per hour at times.
Conditions in the canyons may change quickly as these waves move through. Drivers should carry traction devices, expect possible delays, and be ready for closures or chain controls if the snow stacks up faster than plows can keep up.
What To Bring And How To Prep
For valley errands, a solid rain jacket and waterproof footwear will make life easier. If you are heading into the canyons, pack traction devices, warm layers, and an emergency kit in your vehicle. Build in extra travel time, and check mountain webcams before you point the car uphill. While advisories are active, it is smart to skip nonessential canyon trips.
Keep phones charged and monitor updates from local officials for any closures, restrictions, or travel advisories.
Looking Ahead
Forecasters say another storm cycle is expected to spin up on Monday and could bring colder temperatures and an increasing chance for valley snow sometime between next Tuesday and Wednesday. Confidence in the details should improve as forecast models update later this weekend.
If you have plans early next week, continue to check the National Weather Service along with local travel pages so you are not surprised by another round of winter weather trying to crash the workweek.
