Chilly Front Crashes In, Whips Salt Lake With Gusty Winds

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A dry cold front is set to sweep through Salt Lake City late Tuesday morning, bringing gusty northwest winds around 5-9 mph with much stronger gusts along exposed ridgetops. Temperatures are expected to top out near 57°F, a few degrees cooler than earlier this week. The cooler weather won't last long, with highs rebounding into the mid to upper 60s by Thursday and Friday.

Why it matters

Sudden gusts and crosswinds can create hazardous driving conditions, especially on canyon roads and ridge-top trails. Residents should secure any loose outdoor items that could be blown away. The changing weather patterns also impact outdoor activities and plans for the rest of the week.

The details

As the front moves in by mid-morning, winds will shift from a light southeast breeze to a northwest flow. Gusts over 40 mph are likely along higher ridgelines and across the western Uinta Basin, where there is a marginal 40-50% chance of hitting Wind Advisory criteria, according to the National Weather Service. Earlier this week, a late-week mountain storm dropped most of its snow payload in the high country and kept valley roads mainly wet.

• Tuesday, March 10 started calmly in Salt Lake City, with clear skies and temperatures in the mid-40s.
• By mid-morning, the dry cold front is set to sweep through, bringing the gusty northwest winds.
• Wednesday is expected to be sunnier and a touch cooler, with highs near 54°F.
• By Thursday and Friday, valley highs should rebound into the mid to upper 60s, with Friday flirting with 69°F.
• Forecast guidance is already hinting at an even stronger warm spell next week.