Salt Lake City, Utah – A warmer-than-normal weather pattern is expected to develop across Utah between Tuesday and Saturday, bringing a noticeable shift in late-January conditions along with an increasing chance for precipitation. The warming trend may reduce valley snow risk but could create changing travel conditions across the mountains.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Utah carries a 60–70% probability of above-normal temperatures during the January 20–24 period. Precipitation probabilities rise into the 40–60% range, signaling a more active pattern as Pacific systems move inland across the Great Basin.
Along the Wasatch Front, including Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo, daytime temperatures are expected to climb above seasonal averages, favoring rain or rain-snow mix events in the valleys rather than widespread snow. Overnight temperatures may remain mild enough to limit prolonged icy conditions, though brief slick spots are possible during heavier precipitation. Roads such as I-15 and I-80 could see wet travel conditions during passing systems.
In the mountains, warmer air will not eliminate snow risk. Higher elevations of the Wasatch, Uinta Mountains, and central Utah ranges may still see periods of accumulating snow, especially during overnight hours when snow levels dip. Travel routes including Parleys Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and mountain passes along U.S. 40 could experience rapidly changing conditions as snow levels fluctuate.
Residents and travelers are encouraged to stay weather-aware during the Jan 20–24 period, particularly when traveling between valleys and higher terrain. This warmer, more active pattern is expected to persist through late week, and additional advisories or travel alerts may be issued as precipitation timing and elevation impacts become clearer.
