Over the last few days, I’ve read hundreds of comments about Utah’s historic heat. Some have been thoughtful. Others… not so much. Here are a few of the things people have been saying: “It’s just summer in Utah.” “We survived this without A/C years ago.” “The media is creating hysteria.” “The airport weather station moved, so the record doesn’t count.” “109° isn’t that much hotter than 107°.” “Meteorologists are being dramatic.” Let’s clear a few things up. Yes, it’s July. Yes, Utah gets hot. But that doesn’t make 109° normal. Salt Lake City has kept weather records since 1874. In more than 150 years of observations, we had never reached 108°… until now. We didn’t just tie the old all-time record of 107°, we surpassed it by two degrees. At the extreme upper end of temperature records, that’s a significant margin. I’ve also seen claims that the airport weather station somehow “created” this record. The reality is that observing sites are maintained under strict standards, and any changes are carefully documented by climate experts. If the National Weather Service and climate scientists determine a record is valid, it’s because the data has been thoroughly evaluated, not because someone wanted a headline. Another common comment is, “People lived without air conditioning.” Many still do. That’s exactly why extreme heat is so dangerous. Not everyone has reliable A/C, a safe place to cool down, or the ability to stay inside. Heat is consistently one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States because it disproportionately affects older adults, young children, outdoor workers, people experiencing homelessness, and those with chronic health conditions. Reporting on record-breaking weather isn’t fearmongering. It’s our job. My goal has never been to scare people. It’s to explain what’s happening, why it matters, and how to stay safe. You don’t have to agree with every forecast or every headline, but facts are still facts. Weather isn’t political. It isn’t about opinions. The thermometer doesn’t care what any of us believe. Stay cool, check on your neighbors, and be kind to one another. That’s far more productive than arguing with the thermometer. 🌡️🥵

🚨 THIS IS EXTREMELY RARE. 🚨 For the first time in National Weather Service Salt Lake City history, a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning has been issued. 🔥 Friday from 9 AM to Midnight, dangerous fire weather is expected across parts of central and southern Utah, including the Cottonwood Fire. Wind gusts of 40-50+ mph, combined with hot temperatures and extremely dry air, could cause explosive wildfire growth. Any new fire that starts could spread rapidly and become difficult to control. 🩷 Areas shaded in pink are under a Red Flag Warning. 🟣 Areas outlined in purple are under the rare PDS Red Flag Warning—the highest level of fire weather concern. If you live in or near these areas: ❌ Do not use fireworks. ❌ Avoid anything that could create a spark. ❌ Be ready to act if conditions change. This is not a routine Red Flag Warning. This is an exceptionally dangerous fire weather setup. #utwx #utfire #CottonwoodFire #RedFlagWarning #Wildfire