Utah summer heat continues into October, Yellow Lake wildfire grows – Deseret News

October arrived in Utah with the promise of cooler fall temperatures and changing leaves, but the summer heat continues. On Friday, Salt Lake City experienced record-breaking temperatures for this time of year.

According to KSL.com, the National Weather Service recorded temperatures as high as 92 degrees at Salt Lake City International Airport, surpassing the previous record of 86 degrees set in 1963.

It was the first time October temperatures were recorded in the 90s since the weather service began tracking temperatures in the city in 1874.

According to Weather Spark, high temperatures in October typically reach around 72 degrees with lows of 57 degrees. In rare exceptions, temperatures rise to 83 degrees or fall to 45 degrees.

In addition to the heat, the National Weather Service issued a warning of “critical fire weather conditions” due to the combination of heat, low humidity and wind. The recommendation was lifted on Friday.

This news comes as Utah continues to battle the Yellow Lake wildfire.

Forest fire at Yellow Lake increases, evacuations are ordered

According to a press release from Utah Fire Info on Monday, the Yellow Lake wildfire has spread to 16,053 acres and is now 10% contained.

“Firefighters experienced slightly better weather as winds died down in the morning, providing crews with more favorable conditions to battle the fire,” the release said. “The fire continues to remain elusive and remains very active and growing.”

They also noted that an inversion occurred due to weaker winds, trapping smoke in Duchesne, Summit and Wasatch counties.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for the North and West Branches of the Duchesne River. A READY order has been issued for the Granddaddy Lakes area of ​​the Ashley National Forest and the unincorporated community of Hanna, meaning residents should prepare for a possible evacuation.

The Yellow Lake wildfire was determined to be human-caused, but remains under investigation, according to a statement from the Forest Service.

Utah Fire Info is urging caution when shooting at targets after two more wildfires were started by shots fired in the wilderness.

They also reminded residents that fireworks are illegal in Utah until restrictions on Fourth of July celebrations are relaxed.

Heat problems at the St. George Marathon

The ongoing heatwave also raised concerns for the St. George Marathon, as officials worried about the safety of runners.

“This could be one of our hottest marathons we've ever had,” St. George City marketing and communications director David Cordero told Fox 13. “We hope everyone out there is really focused on their own safety.” that they drink enough fluids, that they have enough food in their bodies, and so on.”

St. George recorded temperatures of 101 degrees last Wednesday – the first time the area has seen triple-digit heat levels this late in the year, according to Fox 13.

Despite the conditions, the marathon went ahead with no reported problems.

Michael Ottesen, a former track star at Brigham Young University, won the men's division.

“The conditions were definitely warm, but also favorable,” Ottesen told reporters after the race, according to the St. George News.

“We had a nice tailwind at the start,” he added. “It was a little cooler than I expected at the beginning, so I can’t complain about that.”

Kodi Kleven of Vineyard, Utah, took first place in the women's class, breaking the previous course record she set in 2021 with a time of 2:30:43.