A moisture-laden storm moving into Utah early Thursday will bring a mix of snow and rain that could coat some surfaces with ice during the morning commute, according to the National Weather Service.
"Do not assume that a well-traveled road will be free of ice," the agency cautioned on its website. "Be especially cautious when driving over bridges, overpasses and other shady or normally colder areas."
But there's good news, too: By Sunday night, the inversion that has plagued northern valleys will hopefully be gone thanks to a new weather pattern, said NWS lead forecaster Mike Conger.
Freezing rain, which is more common in locations east of the Rocky Mountains, can accumulate quickly when surface temperatures, such as roads, are below freezing. Elevated surfaces, such as roads or bridges, are more likely to be affected, he said.
The forecast for Salt Lake City and other northern cities calls for a 60 percent chance of snow or rain on Thursday, and partly to mostly cloudy skies on Friday and Saturday. High temperature on Thursday and Friday will range from 26 to 30 degrees, with lows in the mid-teens. Saturday will be slightly warmer, with highs in the mid-30s.
Another storm is predicted for Sunday and Monday in northern Utah, with a 50 percent chance of snow both days. This system should scour valley air.
St. George will be mostly to partly cloudy Thursday through Monday, with highs in the mid- to low-50s. No precipitation is expected.
awilson@sltrib.com