Windstorm blows in unhealthy air, but rain could bring relief

SALT LAKE CITY — Unhealthy air blanketed parts of the Wasatch Front Tuesday morning after Monday’s windstorm, but the rain that is expected could help clear the air.

Wind carried a large amount of dust from the West Desert, impacting air quality. Several monitors between Salt Lake and Utah counties registered orange levels, while some in Utah County reached red, indicating unhealthy conditions.

“We’ve reached the orange and even red, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups, but then downright unhealthy, which is red in Utah Valley,” said KSL Meteorologist Matt Johnson.

Forecasted showers should clear unhealthy air

The good news is that rain is expected to move into the area Tuesday afternoon and evening, which should help clear things up. Additionally, the temperature will significantly drop, according to Johnson.

“Today, we’ll see improving air quality,” said Johnson. “Temperatures will top in the upper 50s. That’s 30 degrees cooler than yesterday with a chance for showers, hoping to really clean this air out.” 

According to Johnson, 70-degree weather returns this weekend.

Adam Small is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio. He primarily reports on the Great Salt Lake and Natural Resources. Follow him on Facebook and X.  

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