Extreme heat watch issued for Park City, Wasatch Back as Utah braces for record temperatures

The National Weather Service Salt Lake City has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for much of Utah, including the Wasatch Back, from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening. Photo: Luis Graterol

Highs could challenge daily and monthly records this weekend, with heat-related illness risk rising across the state

PARK CITY, Utah — The National Weather Service Salt Lake City is warning Utahns to prepare for dangerous heat this weekend, with temperatures expected to climb well above normal and challenge daily, monthly and, in some areas, all-time records.

“Be aware: this weekend is going to be extremely hot,” the National Weather Service Salt Lake City said in a weather story posted Thursday. “Highs up to 15°F above normal will break daily and, in some cases, monthly and all-time records.”

The agency has issued an Extreme Heat Watch from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening for many valleys and mountain valleys across Utah, including the Wasatch Back, Wasatch Front, Cache Valley, Uinta Basin, Castle Country, San Rafael Swell, Capitol Reef National Park and Glen Canyon Recreation Area. Park City and Heber City are included in the watch area.

In the Wasatch Back and other mountain valleys of northern and central Utah, highs around 100 degrees are possible, according to the National Weather Service. Valleys along the Wasatch Front and Cache Valley could see temperatures up to 105, while Glen Canyon Recreation Area could reach 110.

For Park City, the National Weather Service forecast shows temperatures rising through the weekend, with sunny skies and highs near 85 on Saturday and 88 on Sunday at the agency’s Park City point forecast location. Overnight temperatures are also expected to stay unusually warm, with lows near 68 Saturday night and 70 Sunday night.

The broader heat watch warns that many valley locations may see overnight lows in the lower to mid-70s, offering “little in the way of overnight relief” before extreme heat returns Sunday. The Weather Service said there is high confidence that temperatures will challenge daily and monthly high-temperature records on Saturday as high pressure builds over the region.

The heat is expected to increase the risk of heat-related illness, particularly for people spending time outdoors, older adults, children, outdoor workers and people without reliable access to cooling.

The National Weather Service urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, avoid the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. The agency also warned residents not to leave children or pets in unattended vehicles, saying that car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.

People without air conditioning or shelter can call 211 or visit 211utah.org to find appropriate shelter from the heat, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service advises residents to continue monitoring forecasts and warnings as the weekend approaches.