Kathleen Anderson

Unified Fire responded on 3 big fires within 9 hours. • Tanner Brush Fire at 5:53 PM • Millcreek House Fire 8:45 PM • Millcreek House Fire 3:30 AM

Over the last few days, I’ve read hundreds of comments about Utah’s historic heat. Some have been thoughtful. Others… not so much. Here are a few of the things people have been saying: “It’s just summer in Utah.” “We survived this without A/C years ago.” “The media is creating hysteria.” “The airport weather station moved, so the record doesn’t count.” “109° isn’t that much hotter than 107°.” “Meteorologists are being dramatic.” Let’s clear a few things up. Yes, it’s July. Yes, Utah gets hot. But that doesn’t make 109° normal. Salt Lake City has kept weather records since 1874. In more than 150 years of observations, we had never reached 108°… until now. We didn’t just tie the old all-time record of 107°, we surpassed it by two degrees. At the extreme upper end of temperature records, that’s a significant margin. I’ve also seen claims that the airport weather station somehow “created” this record. The reality is that observing sites are maintained under strict standards, and any changes are carefully documented by climate experts. If the National Weather Service and climate scientists determine a record is valid, it’s because the data has been thoroughly evaluated, not because someone wanted a headline. Another common comment is, “People lived without air conditioning.” Many still do. That’s exactly why extreme heat is so dangerous. Not everyone has reliable A/C, a safe place to cool down, or the ability to stay inside. Heat is consistently one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States because it disproportionately affects older adults, young children, outdoor workers, people experiencing homelessness, and those with chronic health conditions. Reporting on record-breaking weather isn’t fearmongering. It’s our job. My goal has never been to scare people. It’s to explain what’s happening, why it matters, and how to stay safe. You don’t have to agree with every forecast or every headline, but facts are still facts. Weather isn’t political. It isn’t about opinions. The thermometer doesn’t care what any of us believe. Stay cool, check on your neighbors, and be kind to one another. That’s far more productive than arguing with the thermometer. 🌡️🥵

This is the park on fire right now. It’s adjacent to Tanner Park.

We absolutely love taking our dogs to Parley’s Historic Nature Park in Salt Lake City - it’s a beautiful off-leash spot with trails & plenty of room to run. We’re always looking for new places to explore!

Wallowing Yellowstone bison absolutely yeets boomer.

What. Just. Happened?!? 😂😂😂