SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Calm skies and crisp air greet the Wasatch Front this morning, but the next weather system is already on the horizon. After one more bright, mild day Thursday, clouds and rain will push across northern Utah by late Friday—bringing a taste of early winter to higher elevations before the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, Thursday will stay sunny and pleasant with highs near 69°F and light east winds. By Friday evening, a developing Pacific trough will steer moisture into northern Utah, raising rain chances to about 40 percent across the valley. The heaviest showers are likely along the I-80 corridor from Tooele through Parley’s Summit, with light snow possible above 8,000 feet.
Drivers planning weekend trips into the Wasatch or Uinta Mountains should prepare for slick roads and reduced visibility late Friday through early Saturday. Though snowfall totals will stay light, the first hints of winter will touch the peaks—a reminder to check chains and tire tread before Thanksgiving travel ramps up next week.
Saturday will stay partly sunny and cooler, hovering in the lower 60s, while Sunday trends cloudier with another round of rain possible late. Looking ahead, models hint at a colder pattern early next week that could bring a “winter tease” to the benches and mountain foothills by Tuesday.
Clear skies early today also follow a fading Northern Lights display from last night’s G4 solar storm, with minor radio disruptions still possible across Utah this morning.
Five-Day Forecast for Salt Lake City, UT:
Thu: 69/52 – Sunny, warm; light east breeze.
Fri: 66/45 – Increasing clouds; rain chance late.
Sat: 62/42 – Showers early; partly sunny later.
Sun: 58/41 – Mostly cloudy; light rain possible.
Mon: 50/38 – Rain likely; snow mix above 7,000 ft.
