Salt Lake City is starting Memorial Day on a clear and mild note, with temperatures near 61°F at Salt Lake City International Airport. By mid‑afternoon, the valley is expected to roast under sunny skies with a high near 88°F, especially in the warmer pockets of the city. A few spotty showers and thunderstorms may pop over the higher terrain late in the day, and any storms that do form are more likely to kick up gusty, erratic winds than deliver steady rain.
Holiday Heat Peaks Monday
Across the valley on Monday, May 25, highs should climb into the upper 80s, with downtown and lower‑elevation neighborhoods leading the way. Humidity will stay low so that it will feel hot and dry instead of muggy, a plus for backyard barbecues and a drawback for anyone sensitive to heat. For a deeper dive into the warmup before the long weekend, check out our earlier weekend heat preview, as per Hoodline.
Winds Build Midweek; Watch Fire Weather
A Pacific trough is on track to crank up southerly winds Tuesday and Wednesday, with steady breezes and the potential for strong gusts across western Utah and parts of the valley on Tuesday, May 26, and Wednesday, May 27. Forecasters estimate about a 50% chance of gusts topping 40 mph near the Utah–Nevada border, along with an increased risk of critical fire weather in southwest Utah beginning Tuesday. Anyone with outdoor work or projects planned for Tuesday or Wednesday should secure lightweight items and skip open‑flame activity in brushy or grassy areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Afternoon Storms Mostly Over Mountains
Storms are expected to stay hit‑or‑miss and focused over higher elevations, especially across southern Utah and along the Wasatch slopes, so most valley locations are likely to remain dry. Thunderstorms that bubble up after noon could bring brief heavy rain and strong outflow winds, but forecasters do not expect widespread wetting rain. If you are heading into the mountains, keep a short‑range radar app handy and be ready for quick weather changes.
Travel and Outdoor Tips
From about 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, watch for gusty, erratic winds and brief downpours that could trigger short delays at Salt Lake City International Airport and along mountain routes. Drink plenty of water, keep vehicles out of direct sun when possible, and budget a little extra time if you have late‑afternoon plans or flights. Before you head out, check local forecasts and airport advisories for the latest updates on conditions.
