Salt Lake City woke up Monday to clouds, a stiff breeze and a surprisingly mild start to the week. The airport was sitting at about 39°F as of 5:35 a.m. MDT on Monday, March 16, with relative humidity near 30 percent and east winds around 25 mph. Winds across the valley are expected to relax as the day goes on, and that cool, breezy morning is set to flip into a quick warm-up, with highs near 60°F today and a steady climb into the 70s and 80s later in the week.
Warm Week Timeline
Highs are expected to reach about 60°F today, then jump to roughly 71°F on Tuesday and 78°F on Wednesday. From Thursday through Saturday, forecast highs hover around 80°F or a bit warmer, with Friday looking like the peak near 82°F. Rain chances stay very low through this stretch, and overnight lows across the valley should mostly hold in the 40s. Winds in the Salt Lake Valley look light to moderate overall, although mountain slopes and some basins could see periods of stronger gusts.
Record Watch
The National Weather Service forecast discussion flags the ridge building over the West as strong enough to bring "historically warm" March conditions, with a shot at challenging or breaking monthly records late in the week, especially across southern Utah. Forecasters highlight the potential for mid to upper 90s in St. George and an unusually early 80°F reading at the Salt Lake City airport on Friday or Saturday, which would set new March records if it pans out. No watches or warnings are currently posted for the Salt Lake City forecast area, but forecasters will be watching closely as temperatures climb.
What This Means For You
Sunny, dry afternoons will make parks, patios and trailheads hard to resist. If you are planning to be outside, early mornings or evenings will be more comfortable, and you will want to bring water during the warmest afternoons later this week. Keep an eye on heat-sensitive situations, including pets, older neighbors and outdoor work on pavement, and watch for stronger gusts on exposed roads. For more context on the recent warm start to March, check our earlier coverage, as per Hoodline. Expect updates if the forecast shifts, and be sure to review local forecasts before locking in any major outdoor events.
