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- A winter-like storm could bring up to a foot of snow to Utah's mountains, prompting a winter weather advisory.
- Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in valleys over the weekend.
- A freeze watch was also issued as temperatures will drop before a warmup next week
SALT LAKE CITY — It might be the middle of spring, but federal forecasters say Utah is on tap for a "whirlwind" next few days with a "winter-like" storm this weekend before a more summer-like warmup next week.
The former triggered a winter weather advisory, as up to a foot of snow or more is possible in some mountain areas, the National Weather Service says. Heavy rain is also expected in many valleys across the state.
Potentially sub-freezing conditions are possible in some communities, too.
Storm timing
A low-pressure system off the Pacific Coast is forecast to make its way through the Pacific Northwest before reaching Utah over the weekend, Johnson explains. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible across northern and central parts of the state on Saturday, especially by the late afternoon and evening hours. Dry air under the base of the pop-up showers could produce microburst winds, he added.
"Plan for wet conditions if attending outdoor events/recreating. When thunder roars, go indoors," the National Weather Service advised in a social media post.
It's also expected to cause winds to pick up, leading to higher fire danger, especially in southeast Utah. The weather service issued a red flag warning for the region because gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry conditions will form "critical fire weather" Saturday afternoon and evening.
Widespread showers and thunderstorms with mountain snow will move into the area on Saturday. The heaviest and most widespread precipitation will fall overnight Saturday and become more showery in nature during the day on Sunday. Thunderstorms are possible Saturday PM. #utwx#wywxpic.twitter.com/QZE6u2d16A
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) May 16, 2025
Precipitation across northern, central and southern Utah will intensify by late Saturday and early Sunday as the cold front sweeps through the state, bringing potentially heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in valleys during the overnight hours.
Scattered valley rain and mountain snow showers behind the cold front are expected to linger throughout Sunday and possibly into Monday morning, according to Johnson.
Accumulation potential
The snow line figures to be about 7,000 feet elevation after the cold front comes through, weather service meteorologists wrote in a report Friday.
The agency issued winter weather advisories for ranges across the state, which are forecast to receive 5 to 10 inches of snow between Saturday and Sunday night. "Locally higher" totals closer to 15 inches are possible in the upper Cottonwood Canyons and in the Tushar Mountains. Some additional accumulation is possible Monday morning, too.
Valleys could receive strong precipitation totals, as well. KSL Weather models suggest the system has the potential to deliver 0.5 to 1 inches of water or more across the Wasatch Front and other northern Utah communities by early Monday. Central and southern Utah valley communities could also receive strong totals, while lesser precipitation is forecast for lower-level portions of southwest Utah.
A freeze before a quick warmup
Freezing conditions appear likely as the rain and snow subside. The National Weather Service issued a freeze watch for several valleys in northern, central and southwest Utah, including Logan, Brigham City, Delta, Beaver and Cedar City, which is in effect for Sunday night and Monday morning.
Temperatures could drop to 28 to 32 degrees overnight in those areas. People are urged to take steps to protect tender plants from the cold and cover any above-ground pipes to avoid damage to crops and plumbing.
But after a spring-like Friday and somewhat wintry weekend, federal meteorologists say a third season could emerge.
A high-pressure ridge is expected to build up after the storm clears, bringing "temperatures more reminiscent of early summer" back to Utah by the middle of next week, the weather service report states. Preliminary forecasts call for highs reaching the low 80s along the Wasatch Front and mid-90s closer to St. George by Thursday.
Full seven-day forecasts for areas across Utah can be found online at the KSL Weather Center.
