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SALT LAKE CITY — This month is now officially one for the record books in Utah's capital city.
The high temperature reached 100 degrees at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday afternoon, marking the 16th day this month where temperatures reached triple-digits — the most of any month since the National Weather Service began collecting city weather data in 1874. The previous record was 15 days set in July 1960.
High temperatures are currently forecast to remain close to if not over 100 degrees over the weekend, meaning that yet another record may fall in the coming days. Thursday's 100-degree day was this year's 19th; the record for one year is 21 days set in 1960 and matched in 1994 and 2021.
This month also remains on pace to be Salt Lake City's hottest month on record, and this summer is also inching a bit closer to other big Salt Lake City heat records. The city has now reached at least 90 degrees for 37 consecutive days, which is 13 shy of the all-time record set in 1967. If the weekend forecast comes to fruition, the current stretch will move into second place by the start of next week.
And given the forecast, it's all but certain that July 2022 will join July 1960 and August 1967 as the only 31-day months where temperatures reached at least 90 degrees every day.
Storms and flooding down south
It's a different story down south, where monsoonal moisture continues to pile on flooding risks. Many parts of central, southern and eastern Utah remain under a flood watch through Friday evening. The watch includes cities and towns like St. George, Springdale, Price, Kanab, Hanksville, Castle Dale, Emery and Green River.
"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the National Weather Service wrote, in the alerts. Additionally, (there's) elevated potential for flash flooding and debris flow off of recent burn scars."
Look for widespread showers and thunderstorms today with slow moving storms capable of producing heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding. If you will be in a threat area, be aware of your surroundings, plan an escape route should the need arise and stay alert. #COwx#UTwxpic.twitter.com/3PfmFIQHha
— NWS Grand Junction (@NWSGJT) July 28, 2022
The National Weather Service also tweeted that flooding is probable at Utah's recreation destinations in those regions Thursday and Friday, and most of those areas on Saturday, too. Some of the moisture could creep into Wasatch Front as early as Friday, according to KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson.
Full seven-day forecasts for areas across Utah can be found online at the KSL Weather Center.
