SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Fall storms are surging into northern Utah this Friday morning, promising a wet and unsettled weekend before calmer, milder weather returns by Columbus Day. Roads along I-15 and I-80 could see slick spots as scattered thunderstorms move through, with brief heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, showers and thunderstorms will persist through Saturday evening before cooler, drier air pushes in from the northwest. Rain chances peak late Friday into Saturday, with rainfall totals near a half inch in valleys and over an inch in the Wasatch foothills. Winds from the south may gust up to 20 mph during storms.
Commuters should allow extra travel time and watch for ponding water on major routes including I-15 and U.S. 89. Outdoor events, high school football games, and pumpkin patch visits may face weather delays. The NWS urges residents to secure decorations and avoid flooded underpasses.
By Sunday, skies will gradually clear, setting up a crisp and bright Columbus Day. Highs will rebound into the upper 60s to near 70°F, ideal for leaf-peeping drives through Big Cottonwood Canyon or outdoor fall festivals. Cooler nights will return midweek, hinting at Utah’s first frost potential later next week.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware and keep jackets handy as the season’s first major temperature swing settles in.
Five-Day Forecast for Salt Lake City, UT:
Fri: 76/59 – Thunderstorms likely; gusty winds and brief downpours.
Sat: 74/43 – Showers taper; cooler with evening clearing.
Sun: 67/40 – Mostly sunny; breezy and pleasant.
Mon (Columbus Day): 67/49 – Mostly sunny and mild; great for outdoor plans.
Tue: 70/48 – Chance of late-day showers; turning cooler midweek.
