Honestly, if you're looking at the 14 day weather forecast for salt lake city right now, the numbers on the screen only tell half the story. You see 40 degrees and think, "Hey, that’s not too bad for January in Utah." But then you step outside and the air feels... thick. Heavy. Like you’re breathing through a wet wool blanket.
Welcome to the January inversion.
As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, Salt Lake City is effectively trapped. While the mountains are basking in "bluebird" sunshine, the valley floor is currently a bowl of stagnant, chilly air. The current temperature is sitting right at 31°F with a humidity of 72%. It’s that classic Utah paradox where the sky looks gray from below but a quick drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon reveals a blindingly bright sun.
The 14 Day Outlook: High Pressure and Hazy Horizons
The next two weeks are looking surprisingly dry, which is actually kind of a problem for the locals. Typically, we want those big Pacific storms to barrel through and "scour out" the valley. Without a major storm, the air just sits here.
Looking at the immediate 14 day weather forecast for salt lake city, here is the breakdown of what to expect:
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The rest of this weekend stays remarkably consistent. Today, Saturday, expects a high of 40°F and a low of 27°F. It’s going to be sunny, but "sunny" in the valley during an inversion often means a filtered, hazy light. Sunday actually warms up a bit more to 45°F.
By the time Monday, January 19, rolls around, we’re looking at a high of 42°F. The winds are almost non-existent—barely 5 mph from the northwest. This lack of wind is exactly what keeps the pollution trapped.
Mid-Week Warmth or Just Better Trapping?
Tuesday through Thursday (Jan 20–22) shows a slight warming trend, with highs creeping up toward 46°F. Normally, we’d celebrate a 46-degree day in January, but when a high-pressure system parks itself over the Great Basin, it acts like a lid on a pot. All the car exhaust and wood smoke stay right at lung level.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: High 46°F / Low 29°F (Sunny)
- Wednesday, Jan 21: High 45°F / Low 27°F (Partly Sunny)
- Thursday, Jan 22: High 46°F / Low 28°F (Mostly Cloudy)
When Will the Snow Actually Return?
If you're a skier, the "Greatest Snow on Earth" has been a bit shy lately. Nordic Valley and Brighton are reporting a bit of a "slow start" to the 2026 water year. In fact, Brighton is currently sitting on a season total of about 13 inches, which is lean for this time of year.
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We might see a change toward the end of next weekend. On Sunday, January 25, the forecast models are finally hinting at some drama. We’ve got a 35% chance of rain and snow as a weak system tries to push through. The high will be around 48°F, which might mean rain in the valley and snow only on the peaks.
Monday, January 26, is looking mostly cloudy with a high of 50°F. Yes, 50. It’s unseasonably warm, continuing a trend from a record-breakingly warm December. This "whiplash" weather—swinging from freezing fog to 50-degree afternoons—is making it tough for the snowpack to stabilize.
The Air Quality Factor
You can't talk about the Salt Lake forecast without mentioning the AQI. This week, Salt Lake City actually topped the national charts for the worst air quality in the U.S. On Tuesday, the AQI hit 123, which is squarely in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category.
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has already issued mandatory "no-burn" restrictions. Basically, don't light your fireplace, and maybe skip the idle time in the driveway.
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Practical Tips for the Next 14 Days
If you're visiting or living here, don't let the "partly sunny" labels fool you.
First, check the mountain cams. If the valley looks like a scene from a dystopian movie, the resorts (Park City, Alta, Snowbird) are likely above the clouds. It can be 30 degrees in the city and 45 degrees at 8,000 feet. It’s called a temperature inversion for a reason—the normal rules of altitude are inverted.
Second, layer up. The humidity is high (around 77% tonight), which makes 30 degrees feel much colder than a "dry" 30. A windproof outer shell is your best friend when that damp air starts to bite.
Lastly, keep an eye on that Jan 25 storm. It’s the first real chance we have to break this high-pressure ridge and get some fresh air back into the Wasatch Front.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor the AQI daily: Use the Utah DEQ's "Air Utah" app before planning outdoor runs or long walks.
- Plan mountain escapes: If the haze gets to you, head to Park City or Big Cottonwood Canyon to get above the "lid."
- Prepare for a wet Jan 25: If you're commuting, be ready for a potential mix of rain and slush as the high-pressure system finally starts to wobble.