SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Happy Wednesday, Utah! Daytime highs bounce back to average along the Wasatch Front and stay near seasonal norms in the south, with scattered thunderstorms possible mainly for southern and eastern Utah. The Wasatch Front could also experience a few severe storms with gusty winds and large hail possible.
Today’s forecast
A late-season monsoon push has ushered deep moisture into parts of the state, and as a result, strong storms are possible this morning along the Wasatch Front and this afternoon on the eastern side of the state.
Daytime highs will get closer to average today, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s and low 80s statewide, and outside of any storms you can expect partly sunny skies along the Wasatch Front. Highs will warm into the low to mid 90s across SW Utah.
Flash flood risk
The Storm Prediction Center has outlined parts of the Wasatch Front, Wasatch Back, and Castle Country under a Marginal “Level 1 of 5” risk for severe weather Wednesday afternoon. Our excessive rainfall threat is also elevated today and hits the “slight” category, which is a level 2 of 4, for southern Utah, Castle Country, and eastern Utah. Expect heavy rain with storms that develop and the chance of flooding today in those areas.
As a result, the flash flood risk for our national parks and surrounding area stays in the “probable” category. Some slot canyons, dry washes, and small streams are expected to experience flash flooding again. It will not be safe to be in low-lying areas, and just a reminder: you should never cross floodwaters.
Tuesday’s storm brought floodwaters to Emery and Grand counties and impacted popular slot canyons like Little Wildhorse and Goblin Valley. Those same areas are at risk for flash flooding again today.
Get the latest Salt Lake City weather forecasts. View live Doppler radar & closings from the ABC4 Utah weather team.
Looking ahead
This surge of moisture will even allow for some nocturnal storms heading into Thursday. A strong upper-level low will meander through the west and slowly lift northeast, and that will provide decent lift in a moisture-rich environment to Utah on Thursday. The trough swings through and allows for scattered storms and showers Thursday afternoon…