Salt Lake City reached a new all-time temperature record of 109 degrees on Sunday, July 12, shattering the previous high of 107 degrees. The National Weather Service reported that the peak temperature was observed at 2:58 p.m. MDT, marking the hottest temperature recorded at the site since records began in 1874.
New All-Time Temperature Record
The record-breaking heat on Sunday surpassed a long-standing temperature ceiling that had been reached multiple times over the last several decades. According to an update from the National Weather Service Salt Lake City, the previous record of 107 degrees was held by four different years: 1960, 2002, 2021, and twice in 2022.
The 109-degree measurement represents a significant jump from the previous benchmark, establishing a new extreme for the region's climate history.
Monitoring Heat-Related Risks
As temperatures continue to fluctuate during this period of intense summer heat, the National Weather Service continues to monitor HeatRisk levels. For Wednesday, July 15, the NWS HeatRisk system provides a supplemental guide to official watches, warnings, and advisories, specifically designed to assist decision-makers and individuals sensitive to heat.
The HeatRisk scale categorizes the risk of heat-related impacts into five distinct levels. A level 0 indicates little to no risk, while level 1 represents minor risks primarily affecting those without cooling or hydration. Level 2 signifies moderate risk to sensitive populations and certain industries, level 3 denotes major risks to anyone without cooling, and a level 4 indicates extreme heat with rare or long-duration impacts that threaten infrastructure and health systems.
County Cool Zone Resources
To combat the dangers of rising temperatures, Salt Lake County has identified various 'Cool Zones' throughout the region. These are public buildings where residents can temporarily cool off and access information regarding available services.
For those seeking relief, the county provides specific resources for different age groups. All Salt Lake County youth between the ages of 0 and 18 have free access to Salt Lake County recreation centers through the My County Rec Pass program. Additionally, Salt Lake County Senior Centers are open to all individuals over the age of 60.
Regional Cooling Locations
The availability of cooling centers extends to various libraries and community hubs across the Salt Lake Valley. In the Northwest region, residents can access designated Cool Zone spaces at the Magna Recreation Center, the Northwest Community Center, and the Northwest Recreation Center. The Magna Kennecott Senior Center also serves as a resource, though it is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
In the Northeast and Central areas, cooling options include the Anderson-Foothility Library, the Central City Recreation Center, and the Clark Planetarium. Libraries such as the Salt Lake City Public Library, Glendale Library, and Granite Library provide environments to escape the heat during their respective operating hours.
Emergency Heat Relief Services
Specific resource centers are also providing 24-hour or extended-hour relief for vulnerable populations. The Geraldine E. King Women's Resource Center and the South Salt Lake Pamela Atkinson Resource Center both remain open daily 24 hours, with the latter also offering water donations outside its facility.
Other notable locations include the Sorenson Unity Center, which offers expanded evening hours, and the Weigand Center at 437 W 200 S, which is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for anyone needing to escape the heat.
Finding Local Assistance
Residents are encouraged to use the official Cool Zone Map provided by Salt Lake County to find the nearest facility. The county also notes that municipalities and private providers can contact the Mayor's Office if they wish to have their facilities added to the public cooling map.
