Yesterday was a remarkable day at the Salt Lake City Airport with a minimum temperature of 56°F and a maximum temperature of 66°F. Each of these is the warmest temperature observed so early in the calendar year, meaning they are both records for the period from 1 January through Feb 3.
The minimum temperature of 56°F blew everything prior out of the water, eclipsing the prior record by a remarkable 7 degrees. Curiously, many of the prior highest minimum were set in January in the early 1900s. At that time, the NWS observing site was in downtown Salt Lake City.
 |
| Source: https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/ |
But that 56°F is even more remarkable than that. It is the highest minimum temperature observed on any day between 3 November and 17 March, tying 9 November 1927. The 66 is not as much of a black swan, but still a very impressive maximum for early February. And of course the warmth continues today.
Extending back into the weekend, this has been a disastrous period for the low-elevation snowpack between the rain, clouds, and temperature. It is remarkable how long snow can persist in shady areas this time of year if its cold and cloud or even clear with maximum temperatures in the low 40s. However, low-and mid clouds with such warmth strongly modify the snow energy balance by providing long-wave radiation input to the snowpack. Such radiation is typically an equal-opportunity offender, meaning it affects the snow on all aspects. Like that, poof, the snow behind my house was gone.
Similarly, this period has been a catastrophe at Mountain Dell. Such a shame for the Nordic skiers.
 |
| Source: https://utahnordic.org/mtndell/ |
Wind and warmth look to continue into tomorrow. There is a front coming in during the day tomorrow, but temperatures will remain above seasonal norms even after the frontal passage. This is no way to run winter.
