Salt Lake City, UT — Winter is creeping closer for Salt Lake City, and this week’s weather is bringing a preview. Residents can expect a mix of rain and snow, chilly winds, and brisk temperatures before skies turn sunny again later in the week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Cold Front Brings Early Signs of Winter
The first half of the week features a classic October weather transition — moisture mixing with cooler air. Forecasters say precipitation may begin as rain, shift to snowflakes around midday, and taper off gradually by the afternoon.
Meteorologists note that temperatures are staying in the low 50s, with partly sunny skies emerging after the system exits. Current observations show:
- 87% humidity
- Barometric pressure near 30.08 in (1018.63 mb)
- North winds around 4 mph
- A wind chill near 44°F
The NWS states there is “a chance of rain, possibly mixing with snow after noon, then gradually ending” — hinting that wintry weather is on the doorstep even if accumulation remains minimal.
Cold Night Ahead with Clearing Skies
By the evening, clouds are expected to pull away, leading to a mostly clear and cold night, with lows near 33°F. Winds will shift and increase slightly as night falls.
The latest forecast notes:
“North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southeast after midnight.”
That means residents heading out after dark will want extra layers as air temperatures dip close to freezing — a common pattern as late October brings bigger temperature swings from day to night.
Haze Expected Midweek, But Sunshine Returns
As skies clear, a new issue moves in: widespread haze, expected to impact visibility after noon Tuesday and continuing through midweek.
Despite that haze, daytime temperatures rebound gradually:
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 53°F
- Wednesday: High climbing to 63°F, with morning southeast winds turning lighter later in the day
This warming trend provides a break from the morning chill and gives Salt Lake City a few more days of comfortable outdoor weather before deeper winter conditions arrive next month.
Late-Week Outlook: Mild Days, Clouds, and a Fall Weekend Feel
The NWS says the end of the week should feel pleasant for those wanting to enjoy the outdoors before November chill sets in:
- Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, low near 42°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 60°F
- Saturday: Partly sunny skies return, with highs in the mid-60s
- Saturday night: Partly cloudy, lows in the upper 40s
If the forecast holds, weekend plans — from hiking the foothills to attending Halloween events — should benefit from dry and mild conditions.
What Residents Should Keep in Mind
Even though rain and snow are brief, the pattern highlights the seasonal shift:
- Dress in layers as temperatures swing throughout the day
- Expect reduced visibility where haze persists
- Prepare gardens, pipes, or outdoor setups for overnight freezing in colder pockets of the metro area
Forecasters say this week marks a preview — with more impactful winter weather likely arriving in the weeks ahead.
Are you ready for Salt Lake City’s winter weather to return, or hoping fall lasts a little longer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
