Active pattern ahead: Storm chances, wind, and a cooldown

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Happy Earth Day, Utah! It’s been a bright and sunny start to the day with temperatures warming up a bit from yesterday.

Highs will be in the upper 60s and low 70s along the Wasatch Front, in the mid-80s for St. George. An increase in southwest flow today will help increase moisture across Northern and Central Utah, potentially bringing a shower or two later this evening. The main concern will likely be gusty winds from showers that form and a brief stint of rain. A thunderstorm over the higher terrain is also possible. 

By late tonight, we could see some isolated to scattered storms drift into the Great Salt Lake Desert. Some models suggest that a few thunderstorms and light showers could sneak across the Wasatch Front between late tonight and early Wednesday morning. While rain totals will be pretty meager, the gusty and erratic winds are the main threat.

Another system is in the works for midweek as it approaches from the West, slowing down as it moves inland … and that’s key. It’s expected to impact the weather pattern off and on through the rest of the week with uncertainty amongst model guidance on how it will evolve exactly.

Either way, Northern Utah is in line for a stretch of unsettled weather. Expect at least a chance of showers every day through early next week, especially in northern Utah and higher terrain. With the current forecast looking like rain, chances will increase, and temperatures will trend cooler heading into the weekend and early next week.

Cloud cover and a passing front could help knock down temps a few degrees starting Saturday night. So, after a warm start, we may actually get a taste of spring’s cooler side before all is said and done.

We’ll keep you updated in our 4Warn Weather Forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!