Weather
Utah Weather Alert: Rain, Thunderstorms Return Oct 20-22
Salt Lake City, UT – A stretch of sunny autumn weather is expected to give way to several days of rain and possible thunderstorms across the Salt Lake City area beginning Tuesday, October 20, with uns
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-16T09:41:58.408Z
Salt Lake City, UT – A stretch of sunny autumn weather is expected to give way to several days of rain and possible thunderstorms across the Salt Lake City area beginning Tuesday, October 20, with unsettled conditions potentially continuing through Thursday. The developing change could affect outdoor activities and travel across the Salt Lake Valley, including communities in Salt Lake County. Temperatures are also expected to gradually decline, with afternoon highs falling from the upper 60s early in the week to the lower 60s by Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, Tuesday will begin with partly sunny conditions before rain chances increase and thunderstorms become possible after noon. The high is expected to reach approximately 65 degrees, compared with 69 degrees Monday. The forecast then calls for additional rain and thunderstorm chances Wednesday, followed by rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm Thursday.
Rain and Thunderstorm Chances Increase Tuesday The first meaningful shift arrives Tuesday afternoon, October 20, when the National Weather Service indicates a slight chance of rain developing into a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Although the forecast identifies the potential for thunderstorms, it does not provide a specific precipitation probability or indicate that severe weather is expected.
Tuesday evening and night could bring continued unsettled conditions, with rain and thunderstorms remaining possible as temperatures fall to around 48 degrees. The combination of increasing cloud cover and precipitation would mark a noticeable departure from the predominantly sunny weather expected through Monday.
Wednesday, October 21, is expected to remain partly sunny, but the possibility of rain and thunderstorms continues throughout the day. Afternoon temperatures should reach approximately 64 degrees before dropping to around 47 degrees Wednesday night, when mostly cloudy skies and additional rain chances are forecast.
Thursday Could Bring the Wettest Conditions of the Week Thursday, October 22, currently stands out as the most precipitation focused day in the supplied outlook. The National Weather Service forecasts rain likely, with a thunderstorm also possible, as mostly cloudy skies dominate and temperatures reach only about 61 degrees.
That would represent an eight degree decrease from Monday's forecast high of 69 degrees. While the temperature change is relatively modest, the combination of cooler afternoons, increased cloud cover and repeated rain chances could make Thursday feel considerably different from the preceding weekend.
The forecast does not specify expected rainfall totals, thunderstorm intensity or the timing of the heaviest precipitation. Those details will become important as the potential wet weather period approaches, particularly for residents planning outdoor work, recreation or travel later in the week.
Travel Considerations Across the Salt Lake Valley Drivers using Interstate 15, Interstate 80 and Interstate 215 should be prepared for the possibility of wet pavement and reduced visibility if showers develop during busy commuting periods. Thunderstorms could also create localized changes in driving conditions, although no specific highway closures or travel disruptions are identified in the supplied forecast.
The timing of any thunderstorms remains uncertain, making updated hourly forecasts especially useful for people traveling Tuesday through Thursday. Residents with outdoor plans may want to identify indoor alternatives, particularly for Thursday, when rain is considered likely.
Before the weather changes, the region is expected to enjoy a favorable weekend. Saturday should reach 68 degrees under sunny skies, followed by another sunny day Sunday with a high near 67. Monday brings a high around 69 degrees, providing one more dry afternoon before the more unsettled pattern develops.
The main question heading into next week is how widespread and persistent the precipitation becomes. The current forecast supports several days of rain chances, but not a confirmed severe weather outbreak or flooding event.
Will the approaching rain and thunderstorm chances affect your plans for the middle of next week?
Five Day Weather Outlook Saturday 10/17: Sunny skies are expected across Salt Lake City, with a high near 68 degrees and light, variable winds; mostly clear conditions continue Saturday night as temperatures fall to approximately 47 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Another sunny day is expected with an afternoon high around 67 degrees, providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities; mostly clear skies continue Sunday night with a low near 47 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Sunshine continues with temperatures reaching approximately 69 degrees, making Monday one of the warmer days in the outlook; partly cloudy skies develop Monday night as temperatures drop to around 50 degrees.
Tuesday 10/20: Partly sunny skies give way to a slight chance of rain and then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon, with a high near 65 degrees and additional precipitation possible Tuesday night as temperatures fall to 48 degrees.
Wednesday 10/21: Rain and thunderstorms remain possible under partly sunny skies, with temperatures reaching approximately 64 degrees; mostly cloudy conditions and additional precipitation chances continue Wednesday night, with a low near 47 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Thursday, October 22: Rain is considered likely, and a thunderstorm is possible as mostly cloudy conditions continue across Salt Lake City. The forecast high is near 61 degrees, making Thursday the coolest afternoon in the supplied Tuesday through Thursday period.