It will be “dangerously hot” in southern Utah this weekend, according to the National Weather Service, and triple-digit temperatures could return to the Salt Lake City area.
It’s hot and getting hotter across the state. An excessive heat watch will be in effect from noon Saturday afternoon until 9 p.m. Monday in St. George and lower Washington County, with temperatures up to 115.
The forecast in St. George is for a high of 105 on Wednesday; 107 on Thursday; 111 on Friday; 113 on Saturday; and 115 on Sunday; and 113 on Monday. After four days above 110, a high of 109 is expected on Tuesday.
The normal high in St. George at this time of year is 102.
That area won’t be alone, however. A high pressure ridge is expected to bring the hottest temperatures so far this year across the state of Utah, with highs 10 degrees or more above normal in some areas.
In Salt Lake City, the normal highs at this time of year are 94-95, which is about what’s expected through Saturday, However, temperatures could climb to the low 100s on Sunday and Monday — perhaps challenging the record high (103, set in 2010) on Sunday. Monday’s record should be safe — it hit 107 on July 17 in 2022.
So far this year, Salt Lake City has seen triple-digit temperatures twice — 100 degrees on July 3 and again this past Sunday. A year ago, the city experienced a record 34 days with temperatures of 100 or higher.
Temperatures are expected to drop back into the upper 90s on Tuesday.
There is no rain in the forecast for Utah through the weekend and into next week, with the exception of possible thunderstorms at higher elevations beginning early next week.