Salt Lake City, UT – Northern Utah is in the midst of a classic October weather shift, as the region experiences a series of scattered showers and thunderstorms earlier this week, followed by a return to calmer, cooler weather for the weekend. According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, the unsettled pattern will dominate through Thursday, bringing significant moisture to the Wasatch Front and even mountain snow to higher elevations.
Scattered Showers and Thunderstorms Early in the Week
The weather change began overnight, with a 70% chance of rain continuing into early Tuesday. Showers and isolated thunderstorms will be the primary weather phenomena through the middle of the week. Skies may clear briefly in the afternoon, allowing temperatures to reach near 70°F before the next wave of rain and thunderstorms moves in late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
Wednesday is expected to be the wettest day of the week, with widespread showers and a few rumbles of thunder across the valley. Light snow is also expected to fall above 8,000 feet in the mountains, signaling a significant drop in temperatures. By Thursday, cooler air will begin to filter in, dropping the highs into the low 50s, with scattered rain showers lingering through the night.
Colder, Calmer Weather Expected by the Weekend
By Friday, the storm system will have exited, giving way to mostly sunny skies and highs near 58°F. This makes for perfect outdoor weather for hiking, exploring local fall events, or simply enjoying the crisp, clear air. The weekend forecast looks promising, with mostly dry conditions, pleasant fall temperatures in the mid-to-upper 50s, and only a slight chance of a stray shower by Sunday night.
Five-Day Forecast for Salt Lake City, UT:
- Tuesday: 70°F / 48°F – Scattered showers; partly sunny in the afternoon.
- Wednesday: 56°F / 43°F – Showers and isolated thunderstorms; 80% chance of rain.
- Thursday: 51°F / 42°F – Cloudy with scattered rain showers.
- Friday: 58°F / 43°F – Mostly sunny; cool and dry.
- Saturday: 58°F / 44°F – Mostly sunny; pleasant fall weather.
What to Expect
This pattern will bring a mix of wet and dry conditions, with plenty of rain early in the week, followed by a return to cooler sunshine by the weekend. For those planning to enjoy some time outdoors in Salt Lake City, Friday and Saturday will offer the best weather for outdoor activities, with clear skies and moderate temperatures.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
While the weather may seem unsettled at the start of the week, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the fall scenery before the temperatures dip further. Hiking and local events will benefit from the pleasant conditions as the weekend approaches, and residents can expect to enjoy the crisp air and clear skies once the storm clears.
Call to Action
What are your plans for this week? Will you be taking advantage of the dry weather this weekend for a hike or other outdoor activity? Share your thoughts and plans in the comments below.
