SALT LAKE CITY (August 13, 2026) – As the summer continues, Utah is experiencing notable shifts in local conditions. While the wildfire season remains active, a downward trend in average high temperatures is appearing. This past July ranked as the second-hottest July on record in Utah, underscoring the season’s intensity.
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SALT LAKE CITY (July 30, 2026) – Summer monsoons have brought much-needed precipitation to some parts of the state, offering relief by decreasing demand on our water supplies. This moisture has also come at a severe cost, as these intense weather events have unfortunately resulted in the destruction of property and, tragically, the loss of life. As we navigate the remainder of the summer, we urge all residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
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SALT LAKE CITY (July 23, 2026) – After significant collaboration with the public, and partners across the state, the Utah Division of Water Resources has released a draft of the 2026 State Water Plan. The division has been working with state agencies, local governments, tribal representatives, watershed councils, water providers and members of the public to shape the plan.
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SALT LAKE CITY (July 2, 2026) – With critical fire danger escalating across the state and drought conditions straining water supplies, officials are urging all residents to exercise extreme caution this holiday weekend. As fire activity intensifies, please recreate responsibly to help prevent new wildfire starts while crews manage ongoing incidents.
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SALT LAKE CITY (June 11, 2026) – With June temperatures rising, Utah is facing a deepening drought that has accelerated the drying of soils and vegetation across the state. Wildfire season has already been active with over 230 fires so far this year, a majority of which were human-caused.
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Water conservation critical as Utah’s water supply faces a drier year
SALT LAKE CITY (May 21, 2026) – Following the warmest winter on record and the lowest snowpack levels ever recorded in Utah, Gov. Spencer J. Cox issued an Executive Order today declaring a statewide state of emergency due to extreme drought conditions.
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SALT LAKE CITY (May 14, 2026) – As temperatures heat up, Utahns are urged to be water-conscious and aware of the various impacts of drought this late spring/early summer. The state anticipates drought conditions to worsen, causing stress on wildlife, recreation, and water supply. Drying vegetation will also create the conditions for increased fire danger. Currently, 100% of the state is in some form of drought, and 59% is in extreme drought.
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SALT LAKE CITY (April 23, 2026) – In a typical year, Utah’s runoff – which refills our reservoirs – would just be getting underway. However, due to record-low snowpack and record-high temperatures, peak runoff has already come and gone. While larger reservoirs with multiple years of storage are doing well, smaller reservoirs with one or two years of storage capacity are struggling.
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SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 19, 2026) – Utah experienced a more active storm cycle near the end of February. While this is a welcome respite from the dry winter so far, the state would need the active pattern to persist through the beginning of April, when the state typically experiences peak snowpack, to achieve near-normal runoff in the spring.
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SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 19, 2026) — The Utah Department of Natural Resources has selected Joel Williams as the new director of the Utah Division of Water Resources. This appointment follows the transition of former director Candice Hasenyager, who now leads the Division of Water Quality at the Department of Environmental Quality.
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