Winter weather is on its way to Park City

Cool temperatures forecast for later this week will usher in the much-anticipated fall as Utah finally shakes off the lingering summer heat.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Salt Lake is expecting a change in the weather, including the possibility that an early-season winter storm will bring snow to the Wasatch Back by the end of the week. It will be the first significant winter weather event of the season.

Meteorologists expected it to still be warm, dry and windy across the state, with temperatures reaching up to 15 degrees above normal. However, a sharp cold front is expected to move through late Thursday and temperatures are expected to drop by 30 degrees by Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, the cool temperatures will bring widespread precipitation in the form of valley rains and accumulating mountain snow, especially above 6,500 feet.

Critical fire weather conditions are also expected to develop Wednesday ahead of the storm system, including strong winds, relative humidity around 15% and unusually dry fuels.

A winter storm warning is in effect for the Wasatch Mountains, including Moon Lake, Alta, Brighton and Mirror Lake Highway, from Thursday morning through Friday evening. Snow accumulations could total between 10 and 18 inches, with as much as 12 to 24 inches in the western Uinta Mountains.

Park City could see between 1 and 3 inches, compared to nearly 22 inches at Kings Peak. There is a 10% chance of 2 inches or more of snow in Summit County.

On Saturday morning, Utah could experience its coldest temperatures so far this fall.

Outside the Wasatch Front, there is a possibility of widespread freezing conditions. The weather forecast also warns of possible impacts from gusty winds and the weight of snow on tree branches. Travel may be difficult at times and traction restrictions may be imposed if necessary.

Backcountry recreationists should pay particular attention and prepare for rapidly falling temperatures and heavy, wet snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures are expected to become more moderate from Sunday into early next week.

A detailed forecast for the Park City area called for a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after midday Wednesday and a 70% chance in the evening. There is a 90 to 100 percent chance of precipitation on Thursday with high temperatures around 49 degrees. On Friday the maximum temperature will be around 37 degrees, snow is possible. Saturday and Sunday will be mostly sunny with high temperatures around 45 degrees. Temperatures will rise to a high of around 52°C on Monday.