Salt Lake City is already heating up this Sunday, July 5, with clear skies and the Salt Lake City airport clocking in around 72°F early this morning and relative humidity near 29 percent. Southerly drainage winds at the terminal started on the breezy side, with gusts near 30 mph, while most neighborhoods stayed noticeably calmer.
This Afternoon
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are set for a fast climb, with a high near 99°F this afternoon and mostly sunny skies across the valley. There are no watches or warnings in effect right now, but the heat will make midday outdoor work uncomfortable and bump up the need for water, shade, and breaks from the sun.
Monday And Midweek
A modest uptick in mid-level moisture on Monday, July 6, will bring a slight chance of high-based showers and dry thunderstorms after about 3 p.m., mainly over higher terrain. Valley spots are unlikely to see much in the way of steady rainfall. This keeps the warming trend that was flagged earlier this week on track — see how the heat cranks up for background — with model guidance pointing to a return to hotter, drier air later in the week, as per Hoodline.
Afternoon Winds
Southerly drainage winds are expected to hang on into the early afternoon at the airport, with a possible brief shift to northwest late in the day before southerly flow returns this evening. That pattern could kick up short-lived gusts near the lake and along down-valley corridors for an hour or two this afternoon.
Late Week Heat And Fire Risk
After the brief chance for isolated storms on Monday, the pattern turns hotter. Highs are forecast to stay in the upper 90s through midweek, with 101°F possible on Friday, July 10, and near 105°F on Saturday, July 11, raising the potential for near-record readings. The combination of dry air and any lightning from high-based storms is raising fire-weather concerns, as forecasters note that stronger convection could produce gusty outflow winds and dry lightning capable of sparking fires.
What To Do
Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or evening, drink plenty of water, and give workers and pets frequent breaks in the shade. Keep an eye on local forecasts and alerts, and be ready to adjust outdoor plans if a thunderstorm pops up over the mountains; the National Weather Service remains the go-to source for updates.
