ST. GEORGE — According to the National Weather Service, this weekend’s weather for the majority of southwestern Utah will include mostly cloudy skies, with rain and snow for most areas. Due to heavy rainfall, officials are urging people to use caution near slot canyons and rivers. In addition, extremely high winds are expected in most areas.
Updated Feb. 2, 7:30 a.m. to reflect current conditions, forecasts and advisories.
Below are your St. George, Cedar City, Zion National Park and Brian Head area weekend weather forecasts, including current warnings and advisories. And for a look at this weekend’s events, check out the St. George News TGIF Show: Your weekend adventure guide brought to you by Virgin River Casino.
St. George
Saturday
Cloudy with a high of 57 and low of 43, with east winds of 13-15 mph. There’s a 100 percent chance of rain.
Sunday
Partly sunny with a high of 52 and low of 43, with south-southwest winds of 13-16 mph. There’s a 40 percent chance of rain.
Read more: 3rd annual jazz festival to feature prominent trombonist, Canadian singer
Cedar City
Saturday – high winds
Cloudy with a high of 50 and low of 32, with south winds of 16-23 mph and gusts as high as 47 mph in the evening. There’s a 80 percent chance of rain.
Sunday
Partly sunny with a high of 40 and low of 33, with south winds of 21-23 mph. There’s a 50 percent chance of snow, with new snow accumulation of less than an inch possible.
Read more: SUU dance concert ‘Public Displays’ to include choreography from Burch Mann’s American Folk Ballet
Zion National Park/Springdale
Saturday – high winds
Cloudy with a high of 48 and low of 33, with southeast winds of 17-21 mph. Winds are expected to increase to 31-41 mph in the evening, with winds gusts up to 60 mph. There’s a 90 percent chance of rain.
Sunday – high winds
Cloudy with a high of 43 and low of 32, with southwest winds of 20-26 mph and winds gusts as high as 40 mph. Rain and snow are likely before noon, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation. New snow accumulation of less than an inch possible.
Brian Head
According to the Brian Head Resort website, the area has received 0 inch of snow over the last 24 hours, maintaining a 45-inch base depth.
Saturday – high winds
Cloudy with a high of 33 and low of 20, with south winds of 41-25 mph and gusts as high as 60 mph. There’s a 100 percent chance of snow, with new snow accumulation of 1-3 inches possible.
Sunday – high winds
Cloudy with a high of 23 and low of 22, with south-southwest winds of 50-60 mph and wind gusts as high as 85 mph. There’s a 90 percent chance of snow, mainly before 11 a.m. New snow accumulation of 1-2 inches possible. Wind chill values as low as -3.
For current snow accumulation totals, weather and lift status at Brian Head Resort, click here.
Weather warnings and advisories
A hazardous weather outlook is in place for the western two thirds of Utah. A warm system will bring heavy rainfall to Southern Utah. Valley rain and mid-high mountain snow can be expected across northern Utah.
With the heavy rainfall across Southern Utah this weekend, area rivers will be running high. Slot canyons and small streams are expected to be running high and fast. Those with outdoor plans in these areas are urged to monitor forecasts over the next several days. Valley snow is expected with a colder storm Monday night into Wednesday morning. Significant snow accumulations are possible for much of the area.
Strong winds are expected in the mountains Saturday, while western valleys may see gusty winds.
In addition, there’s a flood watch in effect until Sunday afternoon for a portion of Southern Utah, including south central Utah, Southern Mountains, Utah’s Dixie and Zion National Park. Significant rises are expected on area waterways, particularly in smaller streams and drainages, with flooding possible. Smaller basins in steep terrain, dry washes, slot canyons and urban areas with poor drainage will be most susceptible to flooding. Life- threatening flooding is possible in slot canyons.
Travel may be impacted on back country roads that cross dry washes. Those planning to engage in outdoor activities should monitor the forecast and make contingency plans.
A winter storm warning is also in place until Sunday evening for the Southern Mountains and the cities of Loa, Panguitch and Bryce Canyon.
This winter storm would bring total snow accumulations of 1-2 feet. Travel could be very difficult or impossible over mountain passes, including near Brian Head. Blowing and drifting snow will significantly reduce visibilities. Expect winter driving conditions with heavy, wet snow covered roads.
For more information on current weather conditions and advisories, go the National Weather Service-Salt Lake City office website. For winter road conditions, go to the Utah Department of Transportation website.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews | @markeekaenews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2019, all rights reserved.