Record temperatures in the Western United States this past week have not spared Utah residents from the heat, but BYU geography Professor David James said there is a reprieve in sight.
Utah stopped breaking records July 15 and the high-pressure system has now moved past Utah, he said.
“It is not uncommon to have summer days with temperatures over 100 degrees, but most recent temperatures have been above normal,” James said.
A high-pressure system over Utah has kept temperatures in the high 90- and 100-degree range and residents swooning from the heat.
Temperatures across Utah cities have been breaking records daily.
According to the National Weather Service, the temperature on 11 days in July 2002 equaled or exceeded 100 degrees.
Bob Dalley, a manager at Utah State Division of Air Quality, said the cause of the high temperatures has been a high-pressure system that began around June 24.
“A giant high-pressure system over the Western United states compressed the atmosphere and blocked storms from coming in, causing higher than normal temperatures,” Dalley said.
Additionally, air pollutant levels have been dangerously high as a result of high-pressure system.
When a high-pressure system is lurking over the atmosphere, it also traps in the air pollutants caused by automobile engines and toxins associated with industry, Dalley said.
These pollutants linger in the atmosphere and the heat from the sun causes the chemicals to react, rising to unhealthy levels, Dalley said.
For the upcoming weeks Utah residents can expect to move in to more normal temperatures for this time of year – typically in the mid 90 degrees.
Residents have probably noticed the relief from some slight moisture on the evening of July 15, but that also brings more humidity, James said.
