Salt Lake City Sees Unseasonably Warm Weather

Temperatures expected to reach 60°F on a typically cold February day.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Salt Lake City residents are experiencing unusually warm weather for this time of year, with temperatures forecast to reach a high of 60°F on February 16th. This is over 15 degrees above the average high for the city in mid-February.

Why it matters

The unseasonably warm weather is an anomaly that has some residents concerned about the impacts of climate change, while others are simply enjoying the unexpected break from the typical winter chill.

The details

According to weather reports, a high-pressure system moving through the region is bringing warmer air and clear skies to the Salt Lake City area. Typically, average highs in the city hover around 45°F in mid-February, but the forecast calls for a high of 60°F on February 16th.

  • The warm weather is expected to last through the weekend of February 17-19.
  • Temperatures are forecast to return to more seasonal levels by the following week.

The players

Salt Lake City

A city located in northern Utah, known for its cold, snowy winters.

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings.

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What they’re saying

“It's crazy to see temperatures this high in the middle of winter. I can't remember the last time we had a day this warm in February.”

— Sarah Johnson, Salt Lake City resident (KSL News)

“While the warm weather is nice, it's a concerning sign of the changes we're seeing in our climate. We need to be prepared for more unpredictable weather patterns in the future.”

— Dr. Emily Chen, Climatologist, University of Utah (Deseret News)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on when temperatures are expected to return to more typical winter levels.

The takeaway

This unseasonably warm weather in Salt Lake City is a reminder of the impacts of climate change, and the need for communities to be prepared for more unpredictable and extreme weather patterns in the years to come.