Clear skies and mild temperatures are greeting Salt Lake City this morning, with Salt Lake City International reporting about 546F early Friday. Soak up the sunshine while you can. Highs are expected to climb into the upper 70s today because a sharp pattern change late Sunday is set to drag in showers, mountain snow, and even a shot at freezing temperatures in some valleys by Monday morning.
Sunny Friday Sets the Trap
Friday looks like a textbook spring day, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 786F, plus a light northwest breeze of about 3 to 10 mph to keep things comfortable. Outdoor plans should feel pretty ideal through the afternoon, though temperatures may tick down a degree or two later in the day as winds shift. Forecasters with the National Weather Service are flagging that wind shift as the first subtle hint that the warm streak is on borrowed time.
Weekend Flip: Chilly Air and Spotty Storms
A shortwave is expected to slide through late Saturday, pulling daytime highs back into the 60s for much of the city on Sunday and increasing the chance of showers and scattered thunderstorms, especially over the higher terrain. This cool-down follows the early May warmth highlighted in our early May heat spike, as per Hoodline. If you are banking on outdoor time on Sunday, plan for cooler pockets, gusty outflow from storms, and a few brief downpours.
Rain, Snow and a Freeze on Deck
By Sunday night into Monday, snow levels are projected to sink toward about 6,000 feet, which could mean measurable mountain snow and a bit of rain and snow mixing in some of the higher valley locations. The heaviest mountain totals up to around 6 inches are most likely in the upper Cottonwoods and the western Uintas, with other ranges seeing lighter amounts. At the same time, valley lows could flirt with freezing early Monday, so it is a good idea to protect sensitive plants and any exposed pipes. These details come from the National Weather Service.
Heads-Up for Canyon Commuters
If your plans take you into the canyons Sunday night or Monday morning, keep a close eye on road conditions and be ready for quick changes. Depending on how the storm shapes up, traction devices or chains could be required. Before you head out, check UDOT Traffic for live cameras, any restrictions, and the latest alerts.
What to Pack for the Weather Whiplash
Think wardrobe whiplash. Dress in layers for Friday so you can enjoy the warm sun, then have a warmer jacket ready for Sunday and Monday as cooler air and unsettled weather move in. Anyone with outdoor work, games, or events from late Sunday into Monday morning may want to shift to Friday or at least budget time for delays and wet, chilly conditions, especially if you are heading uphill into the mountains.
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