Salt Lake City’s highs are expected to hover in the 90s for the rest of the week, marking the first heat wave of the season, according to the National Weather Service.
The forecast prompted meteorologists on Thursday to warn of moderate heat risk.
“We’re kind of in [a] heat wave now across all of the western U.S.,” said Michael Wessler, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Salt Lake City office. “What makes it a mentionable heatwave, and what we’re focused on, is that it’s really early.”
Wessler said this type of heat wave is more typical in mid-July, rather than early June. “We’re in a pattern of building a really strong ridge of high pressure in the western U.S.,” he continued.
Salt Lake City’s high on Thursday was expected to peak at about 96 degrees, inching close to the highest temperature ever recorded locally on that date, 97.
Friday is forecast to reach 94 degrees, with gusty winds, lightning, and potential showers possible. Temperatures will simmer down slightly by Sunday with expected highs at around 92.
The region of St. George is expected to see more of an intense heat. Thursday was forecast to reach 108 degrees, which would break date’s record high of 107, set in 2016.
“Depending on where you’re looking across the state, temperatures are running 12 to 20 degrees above normal for the daytime maximum highs, and for the overnight low, they are running about 10 to 15 degrees above normal,” Wessler said.
St. George will see slight cooling for the rest of the week, with temperatures expected to tick down to 106, 104 and 101 degrees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectfully.
During moderate heat risk, sensitive groups including the elderly, the very young, and those without access to cooling are the most vulnerable, according to the weather service. Forecasters advise such groups to refrain from outdoor activities if possible during peak heat of the day.
In Salt Lake County, designated “cool zones” are available at Salt Lake County libraries and senior centers. Libraries are open to all ages, and senior centers are open to everyone over the age of 60.
Cool zones are free public, indoor spaces with air-conditioning. To find a cool zone near you, visit slco.to/zones.
