Temperatures expected to cool down, while winds and wildfire danger rise

SALT LAKE CITY— Just four days after reaching 100 degrees for the first time in 2024, temperatures in Salt Lake City are only expected to reach 77 degrees on Monday. Despite cooler temperatures, winds and wildfire danger are on the rise.

KSL Meteorologist Matt Johnson said the forecasted high is eight degrees below the 85-degree average for this date.

And, believe it or not, temperatures are expected to fall further on Tuesday to a mere 72 degrees.

Unfortunately, the reprieve from the heat will be short-lived. Highs are expected to return to the upper 90s on Saturday and Sunday.

Winds and wildfire danger

As temperatures fall, winds are going to start kicking up around the Beehive State.

Johnson said generally speaking, winds will be between 15 and 25 miles per hour, but gusts could reach 40 miles an hour in spots.

This is part of the reason why a red flag warning has been issued for much of Southern Utah, including around most of the state’s national parks.

Johnson explained fire danger is higher in Central and Southern Utah because much of the vegetation has already dried out.

While much of the vegetation in Northern Utah is still green, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk of wildfires.

People could also see some smoke from California wildfires move into parts of Southern and Central Utah on Monday. That smoke is not expected to reach the Wasatch Front.

Adam Small is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio. He primarily reports on the Great Salt Lake and Natural Resources. Follow him on Facebook and X.  

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