Salt Lake City, Utah – Winter is not ready to step aside across Utah, as Groundhog Day tradition and long-range climate signals both suggest a slower transition toward spring. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning, signaling six more weeks of winter and pushing expectations for a dependable warm-up closer to mid-March.
According to the National Weather Service, Utah is placed in an “equal chances” category for temperatures from February through April. That outlook leaves room for late-season cold snaps, valley inversions, and additional snow events, especially along the Wasatch Front and across northern Utah. Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and Logan could see repeated winter systems through March, while higher elevations remain locked into winter conditions.
Precipitation trends point to continued activity. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, much of Utah is favored for near to above-normal precipitation through early spring. That supports additional mountain snowfall, which is beneficial for water supply but increases avalanche risk and travel concerns along I-80, I-15, and mountain passes during active storm periods.
While the Farmers’ Almanac notes spring officially begins Friday, March 20, and highlights a total lunar eclipse early Tuesday, March 3, winter impacts may extend beyond those calendar milestones. Utah residents are encouraged to remain winter-ready, monitor UDOT travel updates, and prepare for changing conditions, as snow and cold are likely to remain part of daily life into early spring.
