Salt Lake City is starting the day mostly clear and around 48°F at Salt Lake City International Airport, but the calm is not going to last. A warm Pacific system is set to roll in on Tuesday, February 24, bringing valley rain that ramps up into showers and a solid chance of thunderstorms Tuesday night and into Wednesday, February 25. Highs will stay on the mild side, near 55°F on Tuesday and about 56°F on Wednesday, even as the wet weather moves through. In the mountains, the brunt of the snow will pile up above roughly 9,000 feet.
Rain is likely Tuesday afternoon into the evening, with more widespread showers and some heavier bands Tuesday night. Those quicker bursts could drop a few tenths to around one-half inch of rain in the valley, with up to about a half-inch in the strongest bands. Thunderstorms are possible from Tuesday night into Wednesday while valley temperatures hold in the low-to-mid 50s, according to the National Weather Service.
Mountain Impacts And Avalanche Risk
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the northern high country above 8,000 feet from 8 a.m. Tuesday through 5 p.m. Wednesday. The snow will be wet and heavy, which is exactly the kind of setup that can quickly bump up avalanche danger in higher terrain. Anyone heading into the backcountry should check the Utah Avalanche Center for the latest danger ratings and guidance before traveling. Ski areas can expect heavy, dense accumulations while avalanche-control work continues, and non-essential backcountry travel is not recommended during the advisory window.
Afternoon Commute And Canyon Travel
Plan on a soggy Tuesday afternoon commute, with periods of heavier rain possible during the evening rush that can quickly create slick spots and cut down visibility. Canyon routes may see conditions flip from wet to snowy at higher elevations, which means slower traffic and changing road conditions. Give road crews extra space, and check UDOT 511 or live traffic cameras before driving the canyons. If you have any flexibility with high country plans, consider waiting until conditions start to ease late Wednesday into Thursday.
Looking Ahead
High pressure builds back in on Thursday, February 26, bringing a return to drier and milder weather through Friday and into the weekend. Highs are expected to climb into the mid-to-upper 50s, reaching the low 60s by Saturday and Sunday. Updates will follow if advisories are adjusted or if travel impacts crop up during the storm.
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