Cool temperatures forecasted later this week will usher in the much-anticipated arrival of fall as Utah finally shakes off the persistent summer heat.The National Weather Service forecast office in Salt Lake is expecting a change in weather, including the possibility of a pre-season winter storm bringing snow to the Wasatch Back by week’s end. It will be the first significant winter weather event of the season.Forecasters anticipated conditions would still be warm, dry and breezy across the state with temperatures up to 15 degrees above normal. However, a sharp cold front is projected to roll through late Thursday with temperatures then expected to drop 30 degrees by Friday.The cool temperatures will bring widespread precipitation in the form of valley rain and accumulating mountain snow mainly above 6,500 feet, according to the National Weather Service. Critical fire weather conditions, including strong winds, relative humidity levels around 15% and abnormally dry fuels are also expected to develop on Wednesday ahead of the storm system. A winter storm watch is in effect for the Wasatch Mountains, including Moon Lake, Alta, Brighton and Mirror Lake Highway, from Thursday morning until Friday evening. Snow accumulations could total between 10 and 18 inches with between 12 to 24 inches in the western Uinta Mountains. Park City could see between 1 and 3 inches compared to almost 22 inches at Kings Peak. There’s a 10% chance Summit County will see 2 inches or more of snow.A National Weather Service map shows the percent chance an area will recieve more than 2 inches of snowfall between Thursday and Saturday. Credit: National Weather ServiceBy Saturday morning, Utah could see its coldest temperatures yet this fall. There’s the potential for widespread freeze conditions outside of the Wasatch Front. The weather forecast also warns of potential impacts from gusty winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs. Travel could be difficult at times and traction law restrictions may be enacted if needed. Backcountry recreationists should pay particular attention and be ready for rapidly dropping temperatures and heavy, wet snowfall, the National Weather Service said.Temperatures are expected to become more moderate starting Sunday into early next week.A detailed forecast for the Park City area called for a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon on Wednesday with a 70% chance that evening. There’s a 90% to 100% chance of precipitation on Thursday with a high near 49 degrees. Friday has a high near 37 degrees with snow possible. Saturday and Sunday are mostly sunny with highs near 45 degrees. Temperatures increase to a high near 52 on Monday.The post Winter weather is on the way to Park City appeared first on Park Record.