Salt Lake City, Utah – Air quality concerns are set to increase across northern Utah as a strong area of high pressure settles over the region, trapping pollution in the valleys and leading to worsening haze through at least the middle of next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, high pressure building in this weekend will persist into next week, creating dry and relatively mild conditions while strengthening valley inversions. These inversions act like a lid, preventing air from mixing and allowing pollutants to accumulate near the ground, especially along the Wasatch Front.
The greatest impacts are expected in low-lying valley locations including Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, Logan, and surrounding communities. Morning and nighttime hours will likely see the thickest haze, with reduced visibility along major corridors such as Interstate 15, Interstate 80, and US-89. While mountain areas remain mostly clear, valley floors may experience stagnant air and declining air quality day after day.
Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, are encouraged to limit prolonged outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality. Commuters may also notice a persistent gray haze, particularly during the morning drive.
Forecasters say some improvement is possible later next week if a weather system disrupts the inversion, but confidence remains low at this time. Until then, valley haze is expected to gradually increase, and additional air quality advisories may be issued as conditions persist.
