This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The annual overdose of sugary sweet Christmas music is upon us. So why is Utah's weather looking like anything but winterlike? Will Santa have to replace the runners on his sleigh with all-weather radials?
Well, relax. While Saturday's forecast is for a downright breezy, yet balmy 60 degrees along the Wasatch Front and highs in the mid-60s in southern Utah, a Pacific cold front will move into the region Sunday night. By Monday, northern Utahns can expect highs to dip into the 40s, with rain and snow in the valleys and mountains, respectively.
Rain will be less pronounced in southern Utah, and high temperatures are expected to continue to hover in the mid-60s well into early next week.
The Utah Avalanche Center, meanwhile, is rating the risk for dangerous snowslides at "Low" through the weekend.
Air quality? That will continue to improve, with the approaching storm helping scour the air of particulate and exhaust pollution. The Utah Division of Air Quality has rated all regions of the state at "Green," or healthy for breathability.
The National Weather Service says Salt Lake City's high on Saturday will be 57 degrees, down slightly from Friday's forecast for 60; Ogden looked for 54 and 57, respectively; Provo 57 and 59; Logan 50 and 55; Wendover 49 and 51; Duchesne 52 and 51; Cedar City 56 degrees both days; St. George 64 and 66; and Moab 59 and 60 degrees.