Utah

Climate

Most of Utah is arid and high in elevation. Most of eastern and southern Utah receive 12 inches (300 mm) or less of precipitation per year, while many mountain areas receive more than 40 in (1000 mm) per year, with some areas receiving up to 60 in (1500 mm). Much of western Utah receives less than 10 in (250 mm), while the Wasatch Front receives approximately 15 in (380 mm). The Great Salt Lake Desert is especially dry, receiving less than 5 in (130 mm) a year. Snowfall is common in winter everywhere except the southern border and the Great Salt Lake Desert. Saint George averages about 3 in (7.5 cm) of snow per year, while Salt Lake City receives almost 60 in (150 cm) a year (amplified by the lake effect from the Great Salt Lake). Many mountain areas receive in excess of 350 in (900 cm) of snow in a year, while portions of the Wasatch Range receive up to 500 in (1,250 cm). Snowfall is common from late November through March in the lower elevations and from October through May in the mountains. The mountains often remain snow-covered into July. Fog and haze often caused by temperature inversions are common in the valleys and basins during winter, especially the Uinta Basin, just south of the Uinta Mountains.

Related Topics:
Winter - Saint George - Lake effect - Wasatch Range - November - March - October - May - July - Temperature inversion - Uinta Basin

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During summer and fall, most of the precipitation is received from the monsoon coming from the south and consists of short, sporadic, and intense thunderstorms that can cause wildfires and flash floods. Most precipitation during the rest of the year is received from the Pacific Ocean. Spring is the wettest season across the north while late summer and early fall are the wettest times in the south and winter is the wettest season in most of the mountain areas.

Related Topics:
Summer - Fall - Monsoon - Thunderstorm - Wildfire - Flash flood - Pacific Ocean - Spring

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Temperatures during the winter across much of Utah are below freezing. High temperatures average between 25° F (-4° C) and 50° F (10° C) across the state. Days below 0° F (-18° C) can be expected in many areas at least once a year, but they are usually short in duration and not terribly severe. Mountains to the north and east of the state serve as barriers to Arctic air. In the summer, high temperatures average between 85° F (29° C) and 100° F (38° C). Days over 100° F (38° C) can be expected in most areas below 5,000 ft (1,500 m) at least once per year, and are expected frequently in the south. The record high temperature in Utah was 117° F (47° C), recorded at Saint George on Friday, July 5, 1985, and the record low was -69° F (-56° C), recorded at Peter's Sink in the Bear River Mountains of northern Utah on Friday, February 1, 1985.

Related Topics:
Friday - July 5 - 1985 - Peter's Sink - Bear River Mountains - February 1

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