A Cool Change With Antecedent High Impacts

As anticipated about a week ago, cool air pushed into northern Utah over the weekend, giving us a delightful Sunday with a high of 81 at the airport.  The 81 occurred around noon as temperatures actually decreased some in the afternoon as colder air moved in.  If my quick read of the observations over the past couple of months is correct, that's the lowest maximum temperature we've had since June 19th when the high was 80.

Snow was observed on the higher peaks as the the trough moved across northern California.  

Skiff of August snow at the top of @sugarbowlresort! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/06yHKunZsx

— Neil Lareau (@nplareau) August 24, 2024

In Utah, the pre-frontal southerlies fanned the Boulter Fire near 5 Mile Pass. I suspect this was the source of the smoke you could smell in the Salt Lake Valley on Saturday.

#BoulterFire is estimated to be 1000+ acres, but with the erratic winds, it’s hard to get an accurate acreage. Bulldozers are being utilized to build the fire line. Est. to be 6-8 miles from 5 Mile Pass & is moving quickly. Federal, state & local resources on scene. #ffslkmg pic.twitter.com/AjnCiC8vZ3

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) August 24, 2024

The fire was human caused, although I have not seen anything more specific than that.  Fire perimeter mapping shows the narrow corridor of the fire run driven by the strong winds.

Source: Utah Fire Info

There was also flash flooding Friday night in Moab.  I decided not to publish anything from social media from that event simply because I found a few videos that were actually from prior events and it was difficult to confirm some of the footage.  Elsewhere, flash flooding in the Grand Canyon led to significant search and rescue operations and the loss of at least one life.  

Enjoy today's cool and low-impact weather.  The biggest threat today might be from UV.  Don't forget to sunblock.