Utah – Wet pavement glistens under streetlights this morning as mild air hangs briefly along the Wasatch Front. The calm won’t last. A developing storm shifts conditions quickly, setting up a rain-to-snow transition that could complicate weekend travel and the final days of December.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, rain spreads through the valley today with highs near the mid-50s. Winds gust up to 30 mph at times, reducing visibility during heavier showers. As colder air moves in, precipitation mixes with snow by evening, then turns mostly snow late Saturday into Sunday.
Salt Lake City, West Valley City, and Murray stay mainly wet through Saturday morning. Snow becomes more likely Saturday afternoon and evening. While valley accumulations stay light, even less than an inch can cause slick bridges and ramps. Drivers should watch I-15, I-80, and I-215 closely, especially after sunset.
Higher elevations face more impact. Snow builds across Parleys Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon, affecting ski traffic and mountain travel. UDOT advises carrying traction devices and checking road restrictions before heading uphill.
Sunday brings clearing skies but sharper cold. Highs struggle into the low 30s, while nighttime temperatures drop into the teens. Flash freezing becomes a concern as wet roads refreeze quickly after dark. Side streets and parking lots may turn icy with little warning.
Looking ahead, dry weather returns early next week. Attention then turns to New Year’s Eve on Wednesday. A slight chance of rain or snow appears, signaling continued winter volatility as 2026 begins. Travelers should stay alert for updates as timing becomes clearer.
Traveling this weekend or midweek? Share what road conditions look like where you are.
Five Day Outlook for Salt Lake City, Utah
Saturday: Rain changing to snow, high near 45
Sunday: Snow likely early, then sunny, high near 33
Monday: Sunny, high near 36
Tuesday: Sunny, high near 41
Wednesday: Slight chance rain and snow, high near 46
