Record-breaking heat is in store — with potential for the earliest 80° and 90° days by far

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — We’re starting the first full week of spring with warming temperatures and the potential for record heat from Salt Lake City all the way down to St. George.

High pressure has been to thank for the gorgeous spring weather we’re seeing, but as it slides east, the door opens up to a southerly wind. This will transport warm air from the Desert Southwest north across the Beehive State and bump temperatures into record territory. 

Tuesday’s temperatures will be running about 15 to 20° above average, which means valleys will have comfortable daytime highs in the low to mid-70s. Most cities in northern Utah will still be just shy of records, but southern Utah has a good shot!

Cedar City’s record heat for March 25 is 70° — set in 2022 — but with a forecasted high of 74°, they sit comfortably in record territory. St. George is also expected to break their old record of 87° — also set in 2022 — by a single degree. 

The thermostat turns up even more for Wednesday, bringing record potential to most of the state. Salt Lake City is forecasted to hit the first 80° day of the season and St. George the first 90° day, which would make those the earliest 80 and 90° days on record.

The earliest date Salt Lake has ever hit the 80s was March 31, 2012, and the earliest date St. George hit the 90s was April 2, 1966. Usually, Salt Lake sees its first 80° day around May 3, while St. George averages its first 90° day around April 29, so we are way ahead of schedule.

Things start cooling off slightly on Thursday, but if winds out of the south stay strong, Salt Lake could stay in the low 80s, which would again beat the old record of 79° set in 2022. By Friday, we see a significant drop back down to the 50s, 60s, and a couple of 70s in warm spots, which is closer to seasonal norms.

Enjoy the warm weather!