Mixed bag for Utah weather this week

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Utah is in for a bumpy ride this week when it comes to the weather.

Winds, sun, rain and snow are all possibly in the mix this week.

Starting Sunday, strong gusty winds move into northern and central Utah and the western Uinta Basin. A wind advisory was in place until 4 p.m. Sunday for the Great Salt Lake Desert and portions of Interstates 80 and 84. Winds could gust in excess of 45 mph.

Accumulating snow is also expected to fall in the northern mountain ranges Sunday. In the valleys, there's a chance of rain and possibly some snow, thought little accumulation is expected, the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City reported.

Then the weather clears — until Wednesday. Sunshine is expected on Monday and Tuesday with temperatures in the 50s.

But on Wednesday, another storm system sweeps into the state, bringing with it rain for the valleys and snow for the mountains. By early Thursday that valley rain could turn into snow.

The weather service said Sunday that they system didn't look like it would a major snow event for the valleys, and if the current models were accurate, the skies should clear by Thursday afternoon, bringing sunshine for the rest of the week.

For backcountry enthusiasts hoping to take advantage of fresh powder, the Skyline and Logan mountain ranges were under a considerable avalanche risk Sunday, according to the Utah Avalanche Center. The Ogden, Uinta, Salt Lake and Provo rangers were under a moderate risk for slides.

jstecklein@sltrib.com

Twitter @sltribjanelle