Salt Lake City woke up on the chilly side Monday, March 9, with clear skies and temperatures near 45°F at Salt Lake City International Airport. By afternoon, though, the valley is set to flip the script with sunshine and a big warm-up into the mid‑60s, topping out around 67°F. If you are trying to pick one day this week for a hike, bike ride or patio lunch, Monday is your best bet. Just do not forget a jacket if you are out late, since temperatures slide back into the low 40s overnight.
Afternoon Sun, Then a Quick Cool-Down
High pressure is giving the region a springlike boost on Monday, pushing temperatures well above normal. A weak, mostly dry front moves in Monday night into Tuesday, bringing a short-lived cool-down. Daytime highs drop to the upper 50s on Tuesday and hold near the upper 58s on Wednesday before another warm-up takes over later in the week. According to the National Weather Service, precipitation chances in the valley stay low, so the week will be driven more by temperature swings than any meaningful rain.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Winds in the valley remain light to moderate on Monday, but stronger westerly and northwesterly gusts are expected along ridgetops and on the leeward slopes of the Wasatch and nearby ranges. Drivers heading through Little Cottonwood, Big Cottonwood and Parleys Canyon should be ready for breezy conditions Tuesday afternoon and evening as the front passes through. The punchiest gusts will stay up on the ridgelines and into southwest Wyoming, and forecasters say valley winds are not expected to hit advisory levels.
Mountains and Backcountry
Higher terrain north of the valley could pick up heavy, wet snow above about 8,000 feet from Tuesday into Wednesday, which raises wet‑snow avalanche concerns for spring touring. Before heading into the canyons, check local forecasts and the Utah Avalanche Center for the latest avalanche conditions and safety guidance.
