Salt Lake City woke up to mostly clear skies and low 40s early Tuesday morning, May 19, but winter was not quite done crashing the spring party. A Freeze Warning is posted for many Utah valleys from midnight to 9 a.m. MDT on Tuesday, May 19, with tender plants, early-season fruit blossoms, and uninsulated outdoor plumbing all on the hit list. The chill will be short-lived, though, with sunshine returning Tuesday and a rapid warmup charging ahead into the weekend.
Today's Forecast
On Tuesday, May 19, temperatures are expected to climb to a high near 64°F under mostly sunny skies, with light north-northeast winds around 2 to 7 mph. Overnight, readings slip back to around 40°F. Wednesday turns milder with a high near 70°F, followed by a slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms on Thursday, mainly across northeast Utah, with about a 30% chance of wet weather. By Saturday and Sunday, highs jump into the 80s, and Memorial Day Monday looks to push into the upper 80s, according to the National Weather Service.
Protecting Plants And Pipes
Low-lying yards and open blooms take the brunt of a late freeze, so cover tender plants, bring potted containers indoors, and disconnect or wrap outdoor hoses before temperatures bottom out. Commercial growers and orchardists will want to keep a close eye on local readings, since blossoms can suffer damage even when daytime highs seem comfortably mild. For practical local guidance, check the Utah State University Extension.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Valley roads should dry out quickly as skies clear, though canyon approaches and higher passes could stay slushy or briefly slick early in the morning, so it is smart to carry traction devices if you are heading into the mountains. Winds are expected to remain light, so most outdoor plans and events should roll on without much weather drama. If you are out and about early, dress for a sharp chill, then be ready to shed layers as afternoons turn noticeably warmer.
