Thursday’s main change is expected later in the day: Salt Lake City starts near 59 degrees under clear skies, then could reach 74 before scattered showers and thunderstorms develop around noon and into the afternoon. A wetter period is forecast for Thursday night.
Storms Build After Lunch
The National Weather Service Salt Lake City office expects scattered showers and thunderstorms Thursday afternoon, with temperatures easing back toward the upper 60s after the high. Southeast winds should stay fairly light near 6 mph, but storms may bring brief downpours, lightning and gusty, unpredictable winds.
Rain becomes more widespread Thursday evening and overnight, with a 100% chance of precipitation and between a quarter-inch and half-inch of new rainfall possible. The low should settle near 48 degrees before temperatures rise slightly overnight, making for a damp and unsettled start to Friday.
Storm-Drain Preparation and Flooding Context
Salt Lake City Public Utilities says clogged storm drains can contribute to localized flooding and asks residents to report localized flooding to its emergency dispatch center at 801-483-6700. As a general flood-preparation step, Salt Lake City Emergency Management advises keeping nearby storm drains and the surrounding area clear of debris, according to its flood-preparation guidance. A separate incident on April 12, 2023, involved snow runoff overflowing Emigration Creek through Wasatch Hollow Park and along 1700 S and 1500 E. Salt Lake City Emergency Management later identified a malfunctioning steel plate blocking a culvert drain as the cause; that past event was distinct from this forecast autumn rainstorm, according to the city’s account of the 2023 flooding. The Public Utilities department provides the reporting number and information about localized flooding on its stormwater and flood-control page.
Friday Brings Cooler Air And Mountain Snow
Friday will feel noticeably cooler, with a high near 59 degrees and scattered rain showers before 3 p.m., followed by another chance of thunderstorms. South winds will increase to 9 to 14 mph, while the highest elevations could see accumulating snow as snow levels drop to around 9,000 feet.
That turn toward cooler, unsettled conditions contrasts with the sunny stretch in Hoodline’s earlier forecast. For Salt Lake Valley residents, Thursday afternoon may still feel warm enough for outdoor plans, but rain gear and a backup plan will be useful by evening.
Cooler Weekend, Sunshine Returns Monday
According to National Weather Service, Friday night brings a 60% chance of rain showers and a low around 42 degrees. Saturday should be partly sunny with a high near 56, while Sunday may begin with a slight chance of rain before turning mostly sunny near 57 degrees.
Dryer weather returns for the start of next week. Monday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 62, followed by mostly sunny skies and highs around 61 to 62 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday.
