Salt Lake City woke up to clear skies and comfortable early warmth on Wednesday, May 13, with temperatures near 72°F and low humidity. It will not stay mild for long. Expect a sharp warm-up through the day, with highs pushing toward 90°F and dry air holding across much of the valley before things turn more active later on.
Afternoon Storms And Severe Wind Risk
By midday, the atmosphere starts to get cranky. Scattered, high-based thunderstorms are most likely between noon and 3 p.m., with about a 30% chance of showers in the valley and better coverage in the Uinta and northern high country. The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of northern Utah in a slight risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with damaging wind gusts the main concern. According to the Storm Prediction Center, some storms could generate strong microburst winds and brief heavy downpours.
Evening High Wind Warning
Behind the daytime storms, a dry cold front sweeps across the region Wednesday evening, flipping the switch from hot and breezy to flat-out windy. A High Wind Warning is in effect for parts of northwestern Utah from 6 PM Wednesday, May 13, to 3 AM Thursday, May 14. Gusts could reach around 60 mph in the wake of the front along the I-80 corridor and in wind-prone spots such as Wendover and the Raft River area. Forecasters also note an elevated chance of gusts topping 58 mph within 25 miles of affected locations. For the latest watches and exact warning areas, see NWS Salt Lake City…