Snow is coming to Utah this week, according to the National Weather Service. The big question is — how low will it go?
Snow levels could drop to between 4,500-5,500 feet by Thursday evening, the weather service predicts, allowing for a rain/snow mix along the benches in northern Utah. And Friday morning is “looking more and more likely” to be the coldest morning so far this season.
A “strong cold front” will cross through the state Wednesday night into Thursday, bringing much lower temperatures and an “unsettled pattern” that will continue through the weekend.
There is a 90% chance of rain Wednesday night into Thursday, and temperatures will dip by about 20 degrees to the low 50s on Thursday.
There is a 70% chance of more rain Thursday morning. Snow levels are expected at around 8,000 feet, but will likely reach as low as 5,000-6,000 feet by that time. If the valleys get a dusting, little to no accumulation is expected.
Temperatures are forecast to reach the freezing mark Thursday night in valleys across the state, with the exception of far southern Utah. According to the National Weather Service, the plunge “will effectively end the growing season” for most of Utah.
The forecast low on Friday morning in Salt Lake City is just 31.
The chance of rain — possibly mixed with snow — continues through the weekend. In Salt Lake City, high temperatures are expected to be in the low 50s on Friday, with an overnight low in the mid-30s; the low 40s on Saturday, with an overnight low of about 30; and the low 40s on Sunday, with an overnight low in the upper 20s.
The weather is not expected to be good when the Oregon Ducks visit Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on the Utah Utes. There is a chance of rain and snow in the morning — ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be telecasting from the U. from 7-10 a.m. — and it will be mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and a high of 42 on Saturday afternoon. The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m.
Normal highs for this time of year are 60-62; normal lows are 39-40.
Temperatures will also be on the decline in southern Utah. In St. George, the forecast calls for highs in the mid- to upper 70s on Wednesday; about 70 Thursday-Saturday; and the low 60s on Sunday. Overnight lows in the upper 40s to low 50s are expected Wednesday-Friday, before dipping to about 40 on Saturday and the upper 30s on Sunday.
In St. George, normal highs for this time of year are 73-75; normal lows are 42-44. There is a slight chance of rain there on Saturday and Sunday.