Salt Lake City set a record on Wednesday for the hottest July 7 ever recorded, and the temperature got up to 103 degrees today.
It hit 104 at Salt Lake City International Airport at 3:57 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, breaking a record of 103 set in 2002 and 2017. It didn’t drop below 100 in Salt Lake City until 8:30 p.m. On Thursday, the high in the city hit 103 at 5 p.m.
The airport remained at or above 100 degrees for 7.5 hours throughout Wednesday, and hit 100 degrees for the 11th time this year today. The record for triple-digit heat at the airport is 21 days in 1960 and 1994.
Thursday was the 11th triple-digit day in Salt Lake City this year, and the forecast calls for four more days in the triple digits through early next week.
The excessive heat warning that began Tuesday has been extended until 10 p.m. on Friday. The NWS is forecasting a high of 101 on Friday, 99 on Saturday, 103 on Sunday, 104 on Monday and 101 on Tuesday, with overnight lows in the mid- to upper 70s.
“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” according to the NWS.
Those temps are relatively mild compared to what St. George is experiencing. The excessive heat warning there has been extended until Sunday at 10 p.m., and temperatures got up to 110 degrees on Thursday. The forecast highs are 113 on Friday, 115 on Saturday, 113 on Sunday and 109 on Monday. Overnight lows will be in the low 80s.
There is no rain in the forecast across Utah through Monday, and a “slight chance” of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday night and Wednesday in southern Utah.
Follow @ScottDPierce