Utah – Cold, still air settles into the Salt Lake Valley this MLK Day morning, with frost clinging to windshields and sidewalks. The Wasatch Front wakes up under clear skies, but the calm atmosphere hints at changes ahead.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures started the day in the mid-20s across Salt Lake City, with dry and quiet conditions expected through the morning. Roads remain dry, though shaded areas may feel slick early. Calm winds allow cold air to pool along the valley floor, keeping the air sharp through mid-morning.
Sunshine helps temperatures recover this afternoon, pushing highs into the low 40s. While winter coats stay necessary, conditions feel manageable for travel and outdoor plans. Tonight turns cold again, with lows dipping back into the mid-20s as winds stay light.
By Tuesday, a different issue takes center stage. Widespread haze develops across the valley as stagnant air lingers. Highs climb into the mid-40s, then near 50 by Wednesday. The warmer afternoons contrast with chilly nights, a classic setup for trapped pollution during January.
Drivers won’t face snow or rain through midweek, but visibility may appear reduced under the haze, especially during morning and evening commutes. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor activity as air quality slowly declines.
Late in the week, changes return. A slight chance of rain and snow arrives Friday, with highs in the upper 40s. Any precipitation looks light, but colder nighttime temperatures could allow wet pavement to refreeze after sunset.
Longer-range outlooks suggest near-normal precipitation and continued temperature swings into next week as winter patterns stay active across the West.
Heading out today? Enjoy the sunshine, but plan for colder starts and murkier air by midweek. Are you already noticing haze where you live?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Salt Lake City, UT
• Today (MLK Day): Sunny, high near 42°F
• Tuesday: Haze, mostly sunny, high near 45°F
• Wednesday: Haze, mostly sunny, high near 48°F
• Thursday: Haze, partly sunny, high near 49°F
• Friday: Slight rain/snow chance, high near 47°F
