Utah air feels crisp and quiet across Salt Lake City this morning as clear skies settle over the Wasatch Front. Frost clings to rooftops and cars after overnight temperatures dipped close to freezing.
That cold start will not last long.
Sunshine will quickly warm the valley floor today, marking the beginning of a dramatic early spring warmup across northern Utah.
According to the National Weather Service, Salt Lake City will climb to around 45°F this afternoon, with light northwest winds keeping the air cool but pleasant. Clear skies dominate the region through the early part of the week.
The real temperature surge begins Monday.
Afternoon highs rise to around 61°F Monday, nearly a 30-degree jump from early morning readings this weekend. Clear skies and calm winds will allow the warming trend to accelerate.
By St. Patrick’s Day Tuesday, temperatures are expected to reach around 73°F, creating mild spring conditions across Salt Lake City and surrounding communities including West Valley City, Sandy, Draper, and Bountiful.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 15, Interstate 80, and the I-215 belt route should experience excellent travel conditions with dry roads and full sunshine.
Meteorologists say the warming pattern is tied to a strengthening ridge of high pressure spreading across the western United States.
The heat builds even more by midweek.
High temperatures could reach near 78°F Wednesday and close to 80°F Thursday, far above normal for mid-March across northern Utah.
Residents planning outdoor activities or early spring hikes in the Wasatch foothills should prepare for big daily temperature swings. Mornings remain cool, but afternoons will feel almost summerlike.
Five Day Outlook for Salt Lake City, Utah
Today: Mostly sunny. High near 45°F.
Monday: Partly sunny and warmer. High near 61°F.
Tuesday – St. Patrick’s Day: Sunny and mild. High near 73°F.
Wednesday: Sunny and warm. High near 78°F.
Thursday: Sunny and springlike. High near 80°F.
