Utah dry spell worsens drought, fuels fire danger

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s been an entire month since a measurable amount of rain has fallen in Salt Lake City. And according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 60% of the state has fallen into severe drought.

National Weather Service Lead Meteorologist Christine Kruse says little relief is expected in the coming weeks. If current conditions persist, drought and fire risks will likely worsen, and much of the next snowpack could be absorbed by parched soil before reaching reservoirs.

“Right now, we’re looking quite dry through at least mid-August into late August,” Kruse said.  “That’s starting to be a concern that will go into our winter season while we’re trying to put snow pack down with very dry soil moisture.”

The months of June and July are typically dry. The average is just under an inch-and-a-half of rain for both months in Salt Lake City. But this year, the state didn’t receive even a quarter of that average, and the whole state is seeing the impact of abnormally dry weather.

Kruse said that if this weather pattern persists, more areas of the state will fall into drought.

“Given what the weather pattern looks like for the next 7 to 10 days, we may see some expansion of those areas,” said Kruse. 

If Utah doesn’t break this trend before winter, Kruse said the state will likely lose a good chunk of its next snowpack to dry ground. 

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