Salt Lake City started Friday, July 24, on a deceptively comfortable note, with clear skies and temperatures around 79°F at Salt Lake City International Airport. That early relief will be short-lived. Forecasters are warning that a prolonged surge of heat is on the way, set to push daytime highs into the triple digits across the Wasatch Front and keep nights uncomfortably warm.
Extreme Heat Watch And Timing
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for the Wasatch Front from Saturday afternoon, July 25, through Monday evening, July 27. Daytime temperatures are expected to peak near 100–102°F, while overnight lows will linger in the mid to upper 70s, limiting any real cooldown between hot afternoons. For the official watch details and timing, see the National Weather Service.
What To Expect This Weekend
Friday serves as a transition day with mostly sunny skies and a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs could reach about 101°F. The real scorcher sets in Saturday and Sunday, when highs near 101–102°F are forecast along with light southerly winds. Humidity will help keep nighttime temperatures stuck in the mid 70s, so it may feel like the heat never really lets up.
If you are planning outdoor activities, shift the most strenuous tasks to the morning or later in the evening and allow for extra water and rest breaks. This is not the weekend to test your limits in the midday sun.
Flash Flooding Risk From Afternoon Storms
Monsoonal moisture returning Friday will help fuel scattered, hit-or-miss storms over the mountains that can drift toward the valley during the afternoon and evening. Slow-moving cells could drop brief but intense downpours, which may trigger localized flooding in urban areas or canyons and lead to short-term road closures.
If you are heading into foothills or canyon areas late in the day, keep an eye on radar and the sky, since conditions can change quickly once storms start to build.
Local Cooling Options
Salt Lake County has expanded its network of Cool Zones and extended hours at several recreation centers to give residents access to air-conditioned spaces and water filling stations during the hottest stretch. Downtown, the Weigand Center at 437 W 200 S is open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and several other recreation centers will operate designated Cool Zone hours on weekend days.
You can find the full list of locations and hours through Salt Lake County.
How To Stay Safe
Health officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding strenuous activity during the peak heat of the afternoon, and taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas. Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a short time, since interior temperatures can reach deadly levels within minutes.
If you or someone nearby develops symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as dizziness, confusion, or fainting, move to a cooler place right away and seek medical care immediately.
