Salt Lake City is starting on Wednesday, March 4, under clear skies and a chilly 36°F at Salt Lake City International Airport. South-southeast breezes are expected to nudge afternoon highs into the low 60s, a brief taste of spring before a sharp cooldown. A Pacific storm is queued up to move in late this week, bringing heavy mountain snow and a rain and snow mix to valley neighborhoods beginning Thursday, March 5.
Late-Week Storm Timeline
Clouds will build late Wednesday night as a cold front sweeps through between late Wednesday night and Thursday, March 5. There is a slight chance of light rain on Wednesday evening, with a transition to rain and snow overnight. The heaviest precipitation is expected across the Wasatch and other Utah ranges, while valley precipitation should begin as rain and may mix with snow during the overnight hours. According to the National Weather Service, Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Watches are in effect for parts of northern Utah and southwest Wyoming as the system arrives.
Travel Impacts And Planning
Mountain and canyon routes will take the brunt of the storm. Expect heavier snow in upper elevations, the potential for uphill travel restrictions, and slower-than-usual canyon commutes. Valley streets are more likely to stay wet, but they can turn slick during brief temperature dips. This update sharpens timing from Thursday's canyon snow setup and folds in advisory-level details from forecasters, per Hoodline.
When Snow Is Most Likely
Rain may begin late Wednesday night, around 11 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, then transition to a rain and snow mix between about 11 p.m. Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday, March 5. The heaviest mountain snow rates are expected Thursday into Friday, March 6. Valleys may see only light accumulations outside any lake‑effect bands, with new rainfall amounts of roughly a tenth to a quarter of an inch possible and snow totals much higher in the mountains.
Airport And Transit Notes
Salt Lake City International is expected to remain mostly VFR through Wednesday, but ceilings and visibility could drop with the front late Thursday into Friday, and gusty northwest winds are possible during the heaviest precipitation. Travelers should check with airlines and allow extra time to reach the airport or canyon trailheads if they are on the move during the Thursday to Friday window.
Prep Tips
If you are heading into the canyons, pack traction devices, give road crews time to plow before driving up, and keep a close eye on forecasts and road cameras through Thursday and Friday. We will post updates if advisories change and when more precise snowfall numbers are available.
