Utahns can look forward to a bit of a break from the smoke mucking up the skies — but it may be only a short break.
According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, smoke from fires in California and Oregon could cause high concentrations of particulates in Utah. As of Wednesday morning, the air quality index showed yellow/moderate for particulates in Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Weber, Box Elder, Cache, Duchesne, Iron, Tooele, Uintah and Washington Counties.
But, the DEQ warned, “If smoke becomes thick, persons with existing heart or respiratory ailments should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity.”
The National Weather Service forecasts patchy smoke Wednesday and Thursday before noon, when winds will pick up and push most of the smoke out of Utah’s skies.
It may not be much of a reprieve, however — smoke is expected to build again on Friday.
Temperatures in the Salt Lake City area are expected to remain below 90, for the most part. The National Weather Service forecasts a high of 86 on Wednesday, 92 on Thursday, with temperatures in the 80s Friday-Tuesday. The next chance for precipitation is a slight chance of rain on Tuesday.
It’ll be dry in the Cedar City area, which has been hard hit by flash flooding, through Monday, according to the weather service. There’s a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday.
And it’ll be hot in southern Utah. Expect temperatures in the low to mid-100s through Tuesday.
