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SALT LAKE CITY — Wednesday saw the coldest-ever October temperature recorded in Salt Lake City.
At 3:37 a.m., it was 14 degrees Fahrenheit in Salt Lake, according to the National Weather Service. It's the coldest temperature recorded in October since 1874, the earliest year records are available, the agency said.
The previous record for coldest temperature for Oct. 30, and the whole month of October, was 16 degrees, recorded in 1971, according to the weather service.
As of 3:37 AM the temperature at Salt Lake City fell to 14°F. This not only sets a record low temperature for today (10/30), but is also the coldest temperature ever observed in the month of October (records back to 1874). The previous record for both was 16°F (10/30/1971). #utwx
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) October 30, 2019
As of 9 a.m., the temperature was back up to 17 degrees in Salt Lake City, according to the weather service.
At that time, temperatures were mostly in the teens or single digits across much of Utah, including zero degrees in Milford and Bryce Canyon up to 29 degrees in St. George. The lowest temperature at that time was minus 3 in Evanston, Wyoming, the weather service said.
In case you hadn't heard, it's cold out there! Here are some current temperatures across Utah and southwest Wyoming. What are you doing to stay warm today? #utwxpic.twitter.com/adJ4epPeKc
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) October 30, 2019
The high for the Wasatch Front area is expected to be around 30, according to KSL Weather meteorologist Grant Weyman.
Thursday morning will also be very cold, with the temperature climbing to only around the 40s for Halloween along the Wasatch Front, according to Weyman. Trick-or-treaters can expect temperatures in the 30s for Halloween night, he said.
Warmer temperatures and clear skies are expected into the weekend, with temperatures in the 50s predicted for Sunday afternoon, according to Weyman.
Get the full weather forecast at ksl.com/weather.
Resources for people in need of help with the cold
People who are struggling with the cold temperatures or need assistance in Salt Lake County can seek help in a number of ways.
People who are without a home or shelter from the cold can call Salt Lake County's homeless resource centers access line at 801-990-9999.
Utah Community Action administers the access line and can direct people to the right place, according to Salt Lake County Director of Programs and Partnerships Katherine Fife. Utah Community Action will help find an available bed at a shelter for people who need to get out of the cold, Fife said.
People who need assistance for other cold weather-related issues, such as a broken furnace or heating expenses, can call the United Way's statewide resource line by dialing 211, Fife said.
"Everyone should be encouraged to seek shelter and get out of the cold if they can," she added.
Elderly people in Salt Lake County who are struggling with the cold are encouraged to go to a county senior center, library or recreation center, which are all well-heated, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services Communications Manager Afton January said.
Seniors who are unable to make it to one of those centers and still need help can call Aging and Adult Services at 385-468-3200, January said. By calling that number, they can talk to a case manager, who will determine what services are available to them and what help they need, January added.
People who have an elderly family member, friend or neighbor are also encouraged to check on them and make sure they have what they need during the cold spell, January said.
"Give them a ring, knock on the door, make sure that they’re doing OK and they have what they need," she said. "We encourage people to be good neighbors."
