Salt Lake City is gripped by an intense Arctic cold front, plunging temperatures to unprecedented lows that have left residents facing the coldest February in years. As of Thursday, February 20, 2025, the city is enduring dangerously cold weather with temperatures hovering around 2°F (-17°C). Clear skies may make it look beautiful outside, but the cold is life-threatening for those who aren’t prepared.
What’s Causing This Extreme Cold in Salt Lake City?
The Arctic blast currently sweeping across Salt Lake City is a result of a polar vortex, a large mass of extremely cold air that has moved south from the Arctic. Typically, winter in Salt Lake City sees temperatures in the low 30s or 40s; however, this current cold front has brought temperatures well below average, sending them into the single digits and even below zero in some areas.
This dramatic shift in temperatures has triggered wind chills that make it feel even colder, with some areas experiencing wind chills as low as -20°F (-29°C). In fact, this is some of the coldest weather the region has experienced in years, leaving many residents unprepared for this sudden drop.
What to Expect in the Coming Days?
- Friday, February 21: Salt Lake City will experience clear skies and a high of 23°F (-5°C). Lows will drop to 12°F (-11°C), with a bitter chill persisting throughout the day.
- Saturday, February 22: The cold will continue, but with plenty of sunshine. The high will be 37°F (3°C), with a low of 25°F (-4°C).
- Sunday, February 23: Temperatures will climb to 51°F (10°C), marking the mildest day of the week. Expect mostly sunny skies and a low of 34°F (1°C).
- Monday, February 24: Clouds will return, but there will still be sun breaks, with highs around 64°F (18°C) and a low of 39°F (4°C).
- Tuesday, February 25: A mostly sunny day with highs in the mid-60s and lows around 40°F (5°C).
- Wednesday, February 26: Cloudy skies and breezy conditions, with temperatures reaching 57°F (14°C) and lows of 35°F (2°C).
- Thursday, February 27: The milder trend will continue, with partly sunny skies, a high of 54°F (12°C), and lows of 28°F (-2°C).
What Does This Mean for Salt Lake City?
This unusual cold snap is putting a strain on local infrastructure. Schools across the city have canceled classes due to the extreme cold, and many businesses are adjusting their hours to keep employees safe. The impact on transportation has been significant as well, with slippery roads and hazardous conditions causing traffic accidents.
In addition, power grids have been stressed by the surge in demand for heating, and some areas have experienced brief outages. Residents are urged to prepare for possible disruptions as the extreme cold continues.
How to Stay Safe During This Arctic Cold Snap
- Stay Indoors – The best way to stay safe in this extreme cold is to limit exposure to the outdoors. If you must go out, dress in layers to trap heat and avoid long periods of time outside.
- Dress Warmly – Thermal clothing is essential. Wear hats, gloves, and scarves to protect your extremities from frostbite.
- Keep Your Home Safe – Let faucets drip to prevent pipes from freezing and insulate windows and doors to keep the cold air out.
- Check on Vulnerable Neighbors – Elderly individuals and those without proper heating systems need to be checked on regularly to ensure they are staying warm.
- Be Aware of Frostbite – If you feel numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or ears, it could be a sign of frostbite. Seek shelter and warm the area slowly.
When Will the Cold End?
The good news is that this cold blast won’t last forever. While the Arctic front will keep temperatures below freezing through the weekend, temperatures will begin to moderate by Sunday, February 23, with a significant warm-up expected on Monday. By early next week, Salt Lake City will return to more typical February temperatures, hovering in the 50s and 60s.
Though relief is on the way, Salt Lake City residents are encouraged to stay prepared for any changes in the weather as the cold front continues to move through the area. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep an eye on your local weather reports for updates.
