WEATHER

New climate tool shows Utah’s record heat a result of climate change

Jul 18, 2022, 7:00 PM

dangerous heat study...

According to KSL meteorologist Kristen Van Dyke, the month of September didn't just break the record for being the hottest month in Salt Lake City, it shredded it. (Canva)

(Canva)

SALT LAKE CITY — Some climate scientists say Sunday’s record heat was not a random weather event, nor was it just the dog days of summer. They say it was an effect of climate change, according to a new climate tool.

A new climate tool

A New Jersey non-profit called Climate Central just developed what they call a Climate Shift Index, which measures how likely it was that any weather event is an effect of extra carbon pollution.

“We were able to say that temperatures you experienced yesterday (Sunday) in the Salt Lake City area were three times to, in some places, more than five times more likely due to climate change,” said Andrew Pershing, director of climate science for Climate Central.

A video on Climate Central’s website explains how the index compares the weather on any given day, in any given area, against the temperatures with a warmer planet.

“The Climate Shift Index compares how often a given temperature will occur in our current climate, with the frequency of that temperature in climate without global warming,” the video states.

Sunday’s high was 107 degrees in Salt Lake City. Sunday overnight’s low into Monday was 79 degrees.

The Climate Shift Index gave Sunday’s high temperatures in parts of northern Utah a score of 5. That is the highest possible, on the index, as seen in this dark red portion selected from the date of July 17.

Pershing said the warming trends at night in Utah are an even bigger signal.

“Where you’re in the 70s and 80’s at night, like that’s super unusual,” he said.

Be prepared

These warm temperatures, he says, is how climate change is showing up for us Utah, and will continue.

He suggests that Utah needs to take note to be prepared, with everything from our are homes to our energy grids.

“The buildings that you live in, do you have adequate air conditioning to deal with heat like that that’s going to become more persistent and more common,” he said.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Weather

Rain and snow expected Easter...

Adam Small

More rain and snow on the way for Easter

More rain and snow is headed to Utah on Thursday, and the wet weather is expected to hang around through Easter.

21 hours ago

People hike in winter...

Adam Small

Late winter storm adds to already flourishing Utah snowpack

A late winter storm along the Wasatch Front might've caused a headache for drivers over the weekend, but it also added more to Utah snowpack.

4 days ago

Rain and snow expected...

Peter Johnston

Rain and snow will stick around for the week

The weekend weather Utah will stick around for a bit longer. It'll dry out a bit this week before the rain and snow showers come back on Easter.

4 days ago

Traffic camera photo showing road conditions, taken on Bangerter Highway on I-80 on March 24, 2024....

Kennedy Camarena

Bad road conditions caused by rain and snow

Road conditions throughout the valley will change in the day as rain and snow move through the area. Get updates on road conditions here.

5 days ago

Deer Valley and other ski resorts in Utah have extended their closing dates....

Britt Johnson

Utah ski resorts extend closing dates

Several Utah ski resorts aren't closing as soon as they thought. Several announced extended seasons thanks to an extra snowy February.

6 days ago

Warmer weather could mean Utah sees more toxic algae blooms this spring and summer....

Britt Johnson

More algae blooms in Utah might pop up because of the warm temperatures

In Utah, Algae blooms aren't typically on the radar until the summer. But experts are keeping a close eye on conditions this year.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

New climate tool shows Utah’s record heat a result of climate change