Monsoon moisture surges further north with storms expected in central and southern Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4) – Happy Thursday, Utah! Our ridge of high pressure is pulling north and while we will see another day with above average temperatures, cloud cover will likely limit heating with daytime highs only a few degrees above seasonal norms today. We will see upper 80s and some low 90s along the Wasatch Front today, with mid to upper 80s throughout central Utah and low to mid 90s in Southern Utah. Increasing cloud cover will curb daytime heating in several spots including Southern Utah. On top of temperatures easing, we have monsoon moisture surging further north into Utah today, so scattered thunderstorms and showers will make it into central Utah in addition to the southern half of the state.

While storms initially brought lightning and gusty winds, we have an abnormally high amount of moisture potential, so we will see slow moving storms today capable of heavy downpours. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a “marginal” threat for excessive rainfall in the southern half of the state.  A “marginal” risk calls for a 5 percent chance of flooding in a 25-mile radius for areas impacted. As a result, the flash flood threat has been upgraded to “possible” and expanded to include the Mighty 5 National Parks and surrounding recreation areas like Grand Staircase, San Rafael Swell, Red Cliffs, Natural Bridges, Grand Gulch and Lake Powell.  Heavy rain could cause problems with normally dry washes taking on water, so make sure you plan recreation responsibly and stay out of slot canyons and low-lying areas if there’s storm potential. 

Heading into Friday, we face some overnight showers and storm potential. Washington County could see some heavy rain while a few isolated showers could impact Utah County, Tooele County and parts of central Utah. The end of the work week will allow that moisture to surge into Northern Utah including the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back, so isolated storms creep into the forecast. Peak moisture arrives Friday night into Saturday in Northern Utah setting the stage for an active day with scattered storms and showers. Lingering moisture into Sunday and Monday will allow for isolated storm development with drier air to follow.

Daytime highs are expected to fall into the low 80s for the weekend. Washington County remains below average with low 90s for the rest of the work week and upper 80s for the weekend with the chance of storms. Stay tuned!

We’ll keep you posted on the latest updates in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!