Salt Lake City woke up under gray skies and steady showers Thursday, with temperatures stuck in the low 50s as a strong cold front lines up to move through. Showers and isolated thunderstorms are likely through the morning, and by afternoon, some of that rain flips to snow in spots, with heavy totals stacking up in the mountains. A Freeze Watch wraps parts of the Wasatch Front from Thursday evening into Friday morning, and gusty northwest winds with quick drops in visibility could slow commutes. Here is how the timing shakes out, what it means for travel, and how long this cold snap sticks around.
What To Expect Thursday
Showers and thunderstorms are likely through mid-afternoon, with a high near 52°F before temperatures slide into the mid-40s as snow showers push into higher and some lower elevations. According to the National Weather Service, the chance of precipitation is near 100% from morning into afternoon, with new rain amounts of roughly a tenth to a quarter of an inch and light valley snow accumulations where colder air wraps in.
“Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold,” the agency advised, adding that residents should drain sprinkler systems and cover exposed pipes. If you are planning a canyon drive or outdoor meetup later in the day, keep an eye on the hour-by-hour forecast as conditions turn colder and showers mix with snow.
Freeze Watch And What It Means
A Freeze Watch is in effect for the Wasatch Front from Thursday evening into Friday morning, with forecast lows in many valleys dropping into the mid-20s to low 30s and even colder pockets possible in Rush Valley. This is an update to the first warning about this storm and early frost risk, which initially flagged the chilly turn, as per Hoodline.
Gardeners and small growers should move potted plants indoors and cover tender landscaping before temperatures tumble. Outlying ranches and small operations should check overnight watering schedules and any vulnerable irrigation setups so nothing is left exposed during the coldest hours.
Afternoon Winds And Commute
As the front passes, west to northwest winds pick up, especially in canyon corridors and along the southern valley benches. Brief pockets of heavier showers could knock visibility down in a hurry, and slushy spots may develop on canyon roads as road temperatures cool…