High temperatures and bad air in Utah’s forecast
Oct 9, 2024, 10:58 AM | Updated: 4:28 pm
Smoke inversion is visible in an area near the Yellow Lake Fire. Firefighters could finally get a break this weekend with an upcoming storm that is expected to curb current fire danger and wildfires. (U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest via Facebook)
(U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest via Facebook)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s forecast includes warm temperatures and bad air.
In the valleys, near-record high temperatures could continue over the next few days. Parts of the Wasatch Back will deal with bad air caused by wildfire smoke.
Wednesday afternoon saw a high of 88 degrees, tying a record set in 2003 for the hottest temperature on Oct. 9.
We’ve officially reached 88° at @slcairport, tying the record for today (last reached in 2003). This image shows the top 10 highest temperatures for 10/9. Normal is 69°.
88° is also the record for 10/10, and happens to be our forecast temperature too #utwx pic.twitter.com/JbJ9MSQnhS
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) October 9, 2024
This time of year, Utah’s temperatures are usually in the upper 60s. However, we are seeing temperatures in the high 80s.
KSL Meteorologist Matt Johnson said it could take up to 10 days to cool down to near normal.
“Long-range models have been hinting at a cool-down next week. It’ll be slow to start but could drop off maybe into the 60s as we head into next weekend,” said Johnson.
According to Johnson, continued fall heat is not ideal.
“This is not great because it’s going to continue to dry out the soil and keep fire danger elevated when we’ve already got fires burning throughout our state.”
Much of the state is already dealing with smoky skies and bad air.
The Yellow Lake Fire is creating bad air in the Wasatch Back today. Oakley and some areas around Jordanelle Reservoir have red or unhealthy air qualities. Park City has some monitors in the orange.
For more weather updates visit KSL.com.
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.
