Utah forecast: Thunderstorms, but little relief from the heat

Before the relief from the heat, brace for the misery.

The National Weather Service says a slow-moving thunderstorm system is moving toward Utah from the Pacific Northwest, with clouds expected arrive by late Wednesday afternoon and then settle over the region for the remainder of the work week. With triple-digit temperatures the norm in recent days throughout the state, the initial reaction may be to cheer at the prospect of cooling rains.

Well, hold down the jubilation for a day or two. Temperatures through Thursday were to continue hot, and the moisture — initially, anyway — will barely be measurable. That means Utahns can add humidity to what had been, at least, the proverbial and presumably more acceptable "dry heat."

By Thursday night and into Friday, however, the region can expect the thermometers to cool at least a few degrees as shower activity increases. Until then, it's going to be sweltering time in the Beehive State with northern Utah temperatures reaching and in places topping 100 degrees, and southern Utahns enduring heat well above that mark.

Salt Lake City looked for a 103-degree reading on Thursday, mirroring Wednesday's forecast; Ogden expected 101 and 102, respectively; Provo 102 and 101; Logan 100 degrees both days; Wendover 100 and 102; Duchesne 92 and 90; Cedar City 96 and 97; St. George 106 and 110; and Moab 101 and 102 degrees.

remims@sltrib.com