Utah – Headlights glow like halos through a gray wall this morning as freezing fog clings to the Salt Lake Valley. Streetlights blur, brake lights vanish ahead, and the air feels damp and sharp against exposed skin. Conditions are developing quickly, and travel hazards are already in play.
A Freezing Fog Advisory remains in effect across Salt Lake City and surrounding communities through late morning. Visibility has dropped below a half-mile in spots, with readings near a quarter-mile at times. Temperatures hover near 28 degrees, allowing moisture to freeze on contact with roads, bridges, and overpasses.
Drivers should expect slick patches, especially on elevated surfaces along I-15, I-80, and neighborhood overpasses. Even treated roads can glaze over as fog droplets freeze instantly. Slow down, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights. Conditions may change block by block.
By late morning, sunshine should gradually erode the fog. Once it lifts, skies turn mostly sunny and travel conditions improve quickly. Afternoon highs reach the upper 40s, offering a noticeable break from the morning chill. Melting moisture, however, may refreeze after sunset.
Friday night brings another round of patchy freezing fog, though coverage looks less widespread. Lows dip near freezing, keeping icy spots possible into early Saturday. Plan cautiously if heading out late or before sunrise.
The weekend trends quieter and warmer. Saturday reaches the low 50s with sunshine and calmer air. Sunday continues the warming trend, topping out near the mid-50s. Early next week stays mild, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 50.
This valley fog setup is common during winter inversions, trapping cold air near the surface. While the pattern relaxes into February, mornings like this can still surprise drivers.
Five-Day Outlook for Salt Lake City, Utah
- Today: Freezing fog early, then sunny, high near 47°
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 52°
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 56°
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 52°
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 49°
