Salt Lake City International Airport recorded an all-time high temperature of 109 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, July 12, shattering a long-standing heat record and triggering an extreme heat warning for the region. The National Weather Service confirmed that the temperature, observed at 2:58 p.m. MDT, is the highest recorded at the site since weather observations began in 1874.
Shattering Longstanding Heat Records
The record-breaking temperature of 109 degrees effectively destroyed the previous heat benchmark for the area. According to an update from NWS Salt Lake City, the former record of 107 degrees had been established multiple times in recent decades, specifically in 1960, 2002, 2021, and twice during the year 2022.
Atmospheric Temperature Records
The heat event was accompanied by significant atmospheric anomalies. NWS Salt Lake City reported on July 13 that a sounding conducted during the period reached a 700mb temperature of 21.0 degrees Celsius. This measurement represents the highest 700mb temperature ever recorded on a Salt Lake City sounding, surpassing the previous record of 20.2 degrees Celsius set on July 14, 2002.
Rapid Afternoon Temperature Rise
Detailed weather observations from the Salt Lake City International Airport station show a rapid escalation in temperatures throughout Sunday. By 1:54 p.m. MDT, the temperature was recorded at 105.1 degrees Fahrenheit with 26.1% relative humidity. As the afternoon progressed, the heat intensified significantly; by 2:54 p.m. MDT, the station observed 109 degrees Fahrenheit with a dewpoint of 26.1 degrees Fahrenheit and a heat index of 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wind and Gust Observations
Wind conditions during the peak heat were also notable. Observations from the afternoon of July 12 indicate south and south-southwest winds reaching speeds of up to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph recorded at 2:54 p.m. MDT. By the early evening, around 6:30 p.m. MDT, the wind had shifted to the north-northwest, maintaining speeds of approximately 15 mph with gusts reaching 21 mph.
Extreme Heat Warning Duration
The extreme heat prompted the National Weather Service to issue an Extreme Heat Warning, which was in effect from 6:39 p.m. MDT on July 12 until 6:00 a.m. MDT on Tuesday, July 14. During this period, the airport recorded temperatures remaining well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit late into the evening.
Regional Drought Conditions
The broader regional climate continues to face significant stress, as documented in the July 2026 Drought Impact Statement. The statement notes that extreme drought (D3) conditions continue across Utah, a situation exacerbated by the recent record-breaking heat and dry, breezy conditions that increase fire weather concerns throughout the Intermountain West.
Extended Weekly Forecast
Looking ahead to the remainder of the week, the forecast for Salt Lake City indicates that while temperatures may moderate slightly, heat remains a primary concern. Monday is forecasted to be sunny and hot with a high near 102 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by Tuesday with a projected high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit. By Wednesday, highs are expected to drop to approximately 98 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms following the afternoon heat.
