Wednesday was nearly the largest 24-hour temperature drop on record

The temperature dropped 42 degrees between Tuesday and Wednesday. Photo: National Weather Service

SALT LAKE CITY — Data released this week shows that from mid-afternoon Tuesday, August 17, to mid-afternoon Wednesday, August 18, the temperature dropped from 97 degrees Fahrenheit to 55 degrees.

That was nearly the largest 24-hour drop on record at the Salt Lake City National Weather Service (NWS) Office.

The shift in weather shocked many, bringing even snow to high elevation areas.

More reports of high elevation snow from this morning! #utwx https://t.co/xzPDX30uEJ

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 19, 2021

This weekend’s temperature appears to be more stable, however smoke will remain in the area.

The NWS said to expect modest smoke concentrations throughout Friday, while southwesterly flow will move surface-level smoke throughout the day. 

“This should make for better surface air quality for outdoor recreation (except far northwest UT),” NWS said in a tweet referring to the weather Saturday.

Unfortunately, Sunday will likely bring increasing smoke, mostly in northern Utah.

NWS said the smoke might actually be worse in the mountains compared to the valleys.

7/9 Again looking at a cross section Sunday morning, we can see smoke thickens down to mountain top level first, with slightly less in the valleys. pic.twitter.com/FaKb8Th5tp

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 20, 2021