Salt Lake City woke up to clear skies and mild air on Wednesday, June 17, with Salt Lake City International starting the morning around 69F. That comfortable feel will not last long. Forecasters expect a fast warmup to a high near 92F this afternoon under sunny skies, with very low humidity making it feel even drier and hotter. Northwest breezes should stay light early, then pick up into the afternoon before easing again overnight.
Critical Fire Weather This Week
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for parts of central and southern Utah into Wednesday evening, as very dry fuels and gusty winds combine to create critical fire-weather conditions in the mountains and eastern valleys. Forecasters say another round of gusty northwesterly winds could push fire danger higher later this week, and a separate Fire Weather Watch is posted for parts of western Utah on Friday with a return of southerly winds and low humidity. For the latest watches and warnings, see the National Weather Service.
What To Expect Through The Week
High temperatures cool only slightly on Thursday, topping out near 90F, before climbing back into the mid to upper 90s by Friday (Juneteenth) for many valley locations. Overnight lows will linger in the low 60s in the valleys, which means limited relief after sunset. Isolated, high-based storms are possible over the southern mountains Thursday into Friday. Those storms would produce little rain but could bring lightning that sparks new fires.
Stay Cool: County Cool Zones
If the heat starts to feel dangerous, Salt Lake County operates public "Cool Zones" in air-conditioned libraries, recreation centers, and resource sites that open during heat events for people who need a safe place to cool down. Locations and hours are not the same everywhere, so call ahead or check county guidance before you go. Current locations and tips are available from Salt Lake County Emergency Management.
Travel And Air Quality
VFR conditions are expected at Salt Lake City International through the day, although afternoon gusts may develop along exposed routes. The forecast also notes smoke from a wildfire northwest of the Cedar City area could slightly reduce visibility in a few localized spots, so commuters and pilots should keep an eye on conditions before traveling. Anyone with outdoor plans should keep pets shaded and limit strenuous activity during the afternoon peak.
Shift outdoor work to the morning or evening when possible, drink plenty of water, and skip any open-flame activities while fire-weather products are in effect. For the most current watches and hour-by-hour forecasts, check the National Weather Service and local county resources before heading out.
