After high temperatures extended the state’s summer into October, Utahns should brace for a brief dose of winter weather as back-to-back cold fronts are expected to bring snow and below-average temperatures this week.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service said they expect Wednesday to be the last warm day of the season, with a high set to hit near 80 – which is 15 degrees above normal for this time of year. A dry and mostly sunny Wednesday is expected, with the afternoon seeing a 20% chance of rain.
While strong southwest winds and abnormally low humidity will create critical fire conditions for western Utah, Wednesday evening’s expected cold front will bring the start of snow in the western Uintas and Wasatch Mountains.
Forecasters also warn of dry microbursts – or downdrafts that may threaten life and property – for western Utah Wednesday.
A second, stronger cold front — dropping average temperatures to 30 degrees — will move in Thursday night into Friday morning. Heavy to moderate showers are expected, with snow for areas above 5,000-to-6,000 feet.
This is the weather service’s first winter storm watch of the season.
“This is going to be a significant pattern change,” said Monica Traphagan, senior meteorologist for the NWS Salt Lake City office, “particularly as we’ve been seeing these very warm temperatures.
In the valley, residents may see some snow flakes, with one to two feet of snow for the upper Cottonwoods. Residents on the benches may see more significant snowfall that may make travel difficult in areas such as Parley’s Canyon, Traphagan said.
“If you can, avoid travel in the mountains,” Traphagan said, “If you have to be there, be prepared for temperatures getting significantly colder.”
The winter storm, Traphagan said, will likely suppress The Yellow Lake Fire, which has grown to 31,193 acres within the Uinta Mountains as of Tuesday morning. Smoke and haze from the fire will likely decrease with the storm.
As of Tuesday afternoon, air quality was considered “good” at the Salt Lake City International Airport. Park City stood with an air quality index of 57, which is considered “moderate.” Kamas was also in the “moderate” range.
Heading into the weekend, according to the forecast, Friday and Saturday temperatures are expected to drop to 15 degrees below average with a low in the mid-30s and a high near 50.
Outside the Wasatch Front’s urban spread and lower Washington County, Utah will see its first hard freeze by Friday, the weather service said. Traphagan suggested Utahns winterize RVs, sprinkler systems and swamp coolers, and protect sensitive vegetation.
Starting Sunday, Utahns should see “normal” temperatures in the 60s for this time of year, with a high pressure system expected throughout next week.
