Draper faces rain starting late Saturday, Oct. 10, as a strong Pacific storm pushes into Utah, the National Weather Service warned.

The storm will tap deep tropical moisture from Hurricane Rachel in the eastern Pacific, according to the NWS Area Forecast Discussion issued Wednesday, Oct. 7. Rain could last through at least Tuesday night.

NWS forecaster Webber wrote in the Wednesday discussion that current guidance projects 1 to 2 inches of rain across much of Utah, with locally higher amounts exceeding 2.5 inches in southern Utah. That volume raises the potential for flash flooding in prone areas such as recent burn scars and slot canyons, the agency said. No watches or warnings had been issued for Utah as of Wednesday morning, but the NWS urged residents to monitor forecasts at weather.gov/slc for updates.

Draper's forecast

The NWS point forecast for Draper calls for a high of 78°F on Saturday with a slight chance of showers building through the day. Rain chances climb Saturday night. The low drops to 55°F with showers likely and breezy conditions. Sunday's high falls to 71°F with showers likely and continued wind.

The storm will push temperatures about 5 degrees below seasonal normals by Tuesday, Oct. 13, according to the forecast discussion. Mountain snow is possible above 8,500 feet from Monday, Oct. 12, through midweek, though forecasters noted model uncertainty and said they need another 24 to 48 hours to pin down specifics.

Widowmaker ceremony Saturday morning

The timing overlaps with Draper's Widowmaker Plaque Ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Flight Park. As we reported Oct. 4, the Draper Historic Preservation Commission finalized plans for the event at its Sept. 30 meeting. The NWS Draper forecast shows a slight chance of showers early Saturday, with rain chances increasing later in the day.

The NWS Salt Lake City office posted on X on Tuesday, Oct. 6, advising anyone with outdoor weekend plans to monitor forecasts and make backup plans.

The heaviest rain is expected Sunday evening through Monday morning.