Utah forecast: Balmy spring exits stage, rain and snow coming

Balmy spring weather will retreat when a midweek cold front locks onto Utah, bringing valley rains and light mountain snow showers.

The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the western two thirds of the state beginning Tuesday evening and stretching into early next week. Along with precipitation, forecasters expect gusty southerly winds to whip the region.

For the Wasatch Front, a dramatic change is in store. While Tuesday's high temperatures were to flirt with the low-70s, sunny skies were to give way to partly cloudy skies and winds of 10-20 mph, gusting to 30 mph, as the storm system approached late Tuesday afternoon.

By Wednesday morning, rain showers were predicted for the Salt Lake and Tooele valleys, increasing to thunderstorms by afternoon. High temperatures were to struggle into the mid-50s.

A 20-degree dip was coming for southern Utah, where highs on Tuesday were forecast to hit the low-80s before sliding into the upper-60s on Wednesday. Thunderstorms were on tap for Wednesday afternoon, along with 15-25 mph winds.

While you may opt for a jacket and umbrella to venture outdoors, at least the breathing will be easy. The Utah Division of Air Quality rated air quality as "green," or healthy statewide.

For more detailed forecast information, visit the Tribune's weather page at http://www.sltrib.com/weather.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims