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Utahns should be on the lookout for severe thunderstorms on Thursday

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A hiker and his dog on the Mount Olympus trail as varied weather hits the Salt Lake Valley on Thursday, June 6, 2019. Sever thunderstorms are expected in the valley Thursday afternoon.

Severe thunderstorms are possible across northern Utah on Thursday, the National Weather Service warns.

There is a moderate to slight chance of strong to severe storms from Provo north to the Idaho border, and from Wendover to Evanston, Wyo. Strong, gusty winds are expected, along with frequent lightning and small hail that may accumulate.

The worst of the storm will hit the west deserts about 2-3 p.m., according to the weather service, and move east to the Wasatch Front by 5-7 p.m.

Temperatures are expected to reach 87 degrees in Salt Lake City on Thursday. Friday’s forecast calls for a high of 81 with a 5-30% chance of rain throughout the day. The weekend should be dry, according to the weather service, but temperatures will drop dramatically to a high of 64 on Saturday and 71 on Sunday, with lows in the low- to mid-40s.

As temperatures rise, crews are still working to clear snow from a number of high-elevation routes. Guardsman Pass between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Park City/Midway is expected to reopen in mid-June.

“There is still quite of bit of snowpack remaining and our crews have been working to get that road clear as soon as possible,” said a UDOT spokesman.

Millcreek Canyon is expected to be cleared of snow next week. The Mirror Lake Highway through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest from Kamas into the Uinta Mountains, and the Alpine Loop in American Fork Canyon are also looking at mid-June openings.