Salt Lake City, Utah – Utah enters the heart of winter Sunday as the Winter Solstice arrives, marking the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the state’s coldest stretch—a critical period for homeowners and drivers preparing for late December and early January travel.
With extended overnight darkness and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, risks to pipes, vehicles, and daily commutes increase sharply across the Wasatch Front, mountain valleys, and northern Utah. Even when daytime sunshine brings brief warming, temperatures often drop well below freezing overnight, creating conditions that can stress plumbing systems and turn roadways icy after sunset.
According to the National Weather Service Salt Lake City, overnight lows are expected to hover near or below freezing through the weekend and into early next week, particularly in higher elevations and cold-air basin areas. This pattern raises the risk of frozen or burst pipes, especially in older homes, cabins, garages, and properties with exposed plumbing.
State and local officials urge residents to insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls, keep thermostats set no lower than 55 degrees, and allow faucets to drip slightly during the coldest nights. Cabinets under sinks along exterior walls should be left open to help warm air circulate. Open flames should never be used to thaw frozen pipes; officials recommend using space heaters or hair dryers carefully and never leaving them unattended.
Drivers preparing for holiday travel or early January commutes—especially those crossing mountain passes or canyon roads—are encouraged to winterize vehicles now. Officials advise checking battery strength, tire tread, antifreeze levels, windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures, and carrying emergency kits with blankets, food, water, and phone chargers.
Cold weather remains Utah’s most persistent winter hazard through January, particularly in areas prone to temperature inversions and overnight refreezing. Officials note that additional weather advisories and travel alerts may be issued as New Year’s travel increases and winter storms move through the region.
