PROVO — The Utes won't be the only ones getting a chilly reception Saturday afternoon at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
The temperature is expected to be in the low- to mid-40s when Brigham Young University — which has wrapped statues around campus in plastic to protect them from vandals — hosts in-state rival University of Utah in the teams' annual college football showdown. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Those with tickets to the big game would be wise to make sure their blue or red attire includes a jacket. As for umbrellas and raincoats, the early forecast indicates they won't be necessary.
"It looks like, right now, there's not really a big threat of precipitation," said Mike Conger, forecaster with the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City.
"It may be a little bit breezy, and it will probably get a little cooler than normal for this time of year. Breezy north winds look like a pretty good bet right now."
The gray skies and drizzly, chilly weather Monday that made for a gloomy return to work for Utah County residents are expected to
clear by today, Conger said.
"We may start to see (highs in the 50s) again toward the end of the week," he said. "We're getting into a dry pattern for several days to come."
Today's prediction is for sunny skies, with the high reaching only around 39 or 40 degrees. Tonight the region will be in for another bout of nippy weather, with a low of 23 expected in Utah's capital.
The return of warmer weather is good news for Lehi resident George Schramm, who regularly rides his bike to and from work, covering nearly 4 miles round trip.
"I didn't feel like doing it (Monday)," Schramm said, "but I still did."
Maria Jensen of Orem decided the best way to spend a wet and chilly Monday — as well as a little money — was shopping at University Mall.
"It's inside," Jensen said.
And although up to 2 feet of snow fell on the mountains Sunday and Monday, according to KSL chief meteorologist Mark Eubank, that probably will be the last of the flurries until Thanksgiving.
Most likely, the storms were too weak and too late to allow ski resorts to open for that holiday, he added.
Sundance remains on track to open for skiing Dec. 6; Soldier Hollow is set to open Dec. 10.
Contributing: Joe Bauman
E-mail: jpage@desnews.com