Cold front is the beginning of early winter weather pattern, NWS said
Oct 26, 2023, 9:25 AM
A dusting of snow covers the trees and the fall leaves in Millcreek Canyon on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — A “fairly strong” Pacific cold front is moving through Utah, according to Mike Seaman, a National Weather Service meteorologist. He added that the cold front is the beginning of a weather pattern consistent with late fall and early winter.
The front has brought valley rain and mountain snow to the north.
Since it moved in, Cache Valley has received “upwards of an inch of rain,” Seaman said.
Seaman said areas north of Salt Lake City — Bountiful, Ogden, and Logan, saw quite a bit of rainfall overnight. It moved toward the Salt Lake Valley early this morning.
“In the mountains, we’re seeing a fair amount of snow.”
By this afternoon, elevations above 7,000 feet could receive 5 to 10 inches of snow. The valleys will mostly see rain, but if snow comes, Seaman said accumulation isn’t expected.
The front will continue to move south throughout the day. Valley rain and mountain snow are expected in central Utah throughout midday.
According to Seaman, “By mid to late afternoon across the state, we should be cleared out but fairly cold.”
This afternoon, Seaman said to expect temperatures in the 40s.
Is the cold front the start of winter?
“We’ve certainly seen that transition to more of a late fall early winter pattern,” Seaman said. He added that there will be another storm system this weekend, however, it doesn’t appear to be bringing much moisture.
Seaman said the coldest temperatures so far this season are expected during the weekend. He does not expect a lot of precipitation, but there will be quite a bit of cold air.
“[There is] a freeze warning in effect for tonight,” Seaman said. If you have any remaining fruit or vegetables on the vine, you will definitely want to get them inside.
Additionally, Seaman advised winterizing your sprinkler system. If you’re heading up into the mountains in the next few days should prepare for cold conditions.
Early next week, things should temporarily warm up. Seaman said Utah’s weather is entering a pattern “where you have a few mild days and you get another storm system … it looks like it’ll be the norm here for the next couple of weeks.”
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