Salt Lake City started Sunday on a calm note, with clear skies and temperatures in the low 50s. By Sunday afternoon, though, residents can expect a sharp change as gusty south winds and scattered thunderstorms move in. Highs should reach near 67°F before a cool push knocks readings back into the low 60s late in the day. The mix of strong winds and passing showers could slow evening commutes and send unsecured outdoor items tumbling down the block.
Afternoon Winds Muscle In
A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Salt Lake Valley from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT on Sunday, April 12, with south winds of 10 to 18 mph and gusts expected up to roughly 33 mph at lower elevations. Forecast discussions add that pockets, especially high ridges and nearby valleys like Tooele, could see stronger gusts that make driving tricky for high-profile vehicles and toss around unsecured objects. Officials recommend securing patio furniture and tying down light loads. Winds are expected to ease after the cold front moves through, according to the National Weather Service.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers and thunderstorms are likely after noon, with coverage building through the afternoon and into the evening. A few of the stronger cells could bring brief heavy downpours and lightning. Temperatures should top out in the mid to upper 60s, then drop into the low 60s as the front passes, before settling into the low 40s Sunday night while showers linger. Rainfall in the valley is expected to stay on the lighter side, generally a few tenths of an inch, although localized heavier bursts could cause short delays on surface streets.
Mountain Snow And Travel
The higher elevations will trade wind for fresh snow. Mountains are forecast to see 2-5 inches, with favored areas such as the Upper Cottonwoods and parts of the Tushars possibly picking up 6-12 inches. Snow levels will start near 7,500-8,000 feet and are projected to fall to around 6,000-6,500 feet by Monday morning. That could leave higher passes slick overnight into Monday, so anyone traveling over the passes should be ready for winter-driving conditions and slower speeds.
How To Prepare
Before the winds arrive, bring in or secure lightweight outdoor furniture, tie down tarps and loose gear, and give extra space to trucks, buses and motorcycles on the road. Expect gusty crosswinds on exposed east-west corridors and the possibility of brief delays at Salt Lake City International, so check forecasts and flight status before heading out. For comparison, Hoodline covered a similar dust-and-gust event on March 14, a reminder that these spring wind episodes can ramp up fast; see our earlier dust-and-gust event coverage.
