Utah – Gray clouds hang low over the Wasatch Front this morning, softening the skyline and hinting at a pattern shift already underway. Pavement stays dry for now, but the calm won’t last as winter begins to reassert itself during a critical holiday travel window.
Temperatures sit near 60 degrees early today in Salt Lake City, unusually mild for the first official week of winter. Skies turn partly sunny this afternoon, pushing highs into the low 60s. Travel along I-15 and I-80 remains smooth today, though increasing clouds signal changes ahead.
By Tuesday, clouds thicken and the air cools slightly. Highs hover near 60, but moisture builds through the day. The real transition arrives Wednesday. Rain becomes likely by late morning, with chances climbing toward 50 percent during the afternoon. Roads may turn slick quickly, especially during commute hours and holiday errands.
Wednesday night brings the Christmas Eve weather tease. Rain intensifies, with precipitation chances rising near 90 percent. Temperatures dip into the upper 40s, keeping valley locations mostly rain. However, higher elevations along Parleys Canyon and the Wasatch passes could see snow developing, creating tricky travel conditions.
Christmas Day stays unsettled. Showers continue through the morning, with highs near the upper 50s. As cooler air filters in late week, models hint at a rain-to-snow changeover Friday night into Saturday. That raises early concerns for slushy roads and possible black ice during overnight cooling.
Forecasters note this warm-to-cold transition as an early winter signal. While significant valley snow isn’t guaranteed yet, travelers should prepare now. Keep extra time in your plans, check mountain pass conditions, and watch for rapidly changing weather after sunset.
Winter may have arrived quietly, but it’s starting to make its presence felt. Traveling for Christmas? Share what conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Salt Lake City, Utah
Monday: Partly sunny, mild, high near 62
Tuesday: Cloudy, cooler, high near 61
Wednesday: Rain developing, high near 62
Christmas Day: Showers likely, high near 57
Friday: Showers, turning colder, high near 50
