Salt Lake City’s December Ranks as Second-Warmest on Record
Table of Contents
- 1. Salt Lake City’s December Ranks as Second-Warmest on Record
- 2. Breaking Update
- 3. What This Means
- 4. Regional Context
- 5. Outlook & What to Watch
- 6. Reader Engagement
- 7. Central Valley (average +6.2 °F) and Nevada’s Reno (+5.8 °F).
- 8. 1️⃣ Past Context: How Rare Is a Warm december?
- 9. 2️⃣ Nationwide Heat Spikes: December 2025 in a Broader lens
- 10. 3️⃣ Impacts on Energy Consumption
- 11. 4️⃣ Water Resources & Snowpack Outlook
- 12. 5️⃣ Public Health Considerations
- 13. 6️⃣ Case Study: December 2024 vs. December 2025
- 14. 7️⃣ Preparing for Future Warm Winters
Breaking Update
Salt Lake City has posted its second-warmest December on record, according to local meteorologists. Daytime highs have remained well above typical December levels for much of the month, marking a sharp winter anomaly for the region.
The warmth is part of a broader pattern affecting several states listed in this report, including Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. The trend underscores how December warmth is not confined to a single area.
What This Means
While the warmth can reduce heating needs in the short term, it raises concerns about snowpack, water supply, and winter recreation. In the mountains, reduced snowfall can affect ski operations and downstream water availability later in the season.
Climate researchers note that such December warmth aligns with longer-term trends documented by federal agencies. For context and ongoing updates, see NOAA’s climate data pages.
External resources: NOAA and NOAA Climate.gov.
Regional Context
The observed warmth in Salt Lake City mirrors unusual December temperatures across a broad swath of states in the region. While December weather can vary,experts caution that such anomalies fit into shifting climate baselines observed in recent years.
| Region | December Ranking / Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City, Utah | Second-warmest on record | Part of a regional warmth trend |
| Other listed regions | Not specified here | Part of a broader pattern of unusual december warmth |
Outlook & What to Watch
Forecasters say temperature swings may continue through the winter, with potential impacts on energy markets, agricultural planning, and outdoor recreation in exposed areas. Local officials urge residents to stay informed via official weather alerts as conditions evolve.
Reader Engagement
Have you noticed warmer December days in your neighborhood? How should policymakers adapt to warmer winters while protecting water resources?
Share this breaking update and join the conversation in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute weather advice. For emergency weather alerts,follow local authorities.
Central Valley (average +6.2 °F) and Nevada’s Reno (+5.8 °F).
.Salt Lake City’s December Heat Index: A Data‑Driven Overview
- Average temperature: 31.2 °F (-0.4 °C) – 4.1 °F (2.3 °C) above the 1981‑2010 normal.
- Maximum daily high: 44 °F (6.7 °C) recorded on Dec 12, 2025, surpassing the previous record of 42 °F set in 2019.
- Heating degree days (HDD): 1,182 HDD, a 22 % drop from the climatological average of 1,515 HDD for December.
These figures place December 2025 as the second‑warmest December on record for Salt Lake City,trailing only the anomalous December 2021 that averaged 33.0 °F.
1️⃣ Past Context: How Rare Is a Warm december?
| rank | Year | Avg. Temp (°F) | Deviation from Norm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021 | 33.0 | +5.9 °F |
| 2 | 2025 | 31.2 | +4.1 °F |
| 3 | 2019 | 30.1 | +3.0 °F |
| 4 | 2016 | 29.8 | +2.7 °F |
| 5 | 2005 | 29.5 | +2.4 °F |
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate at a Glance, Utah Climate Division.
Key takeaways:
- Four of the top five warmest Decembers have occurred as 2016, reflecting an accelerating warming trend.
- The standard deviation of December temperatures in Salt Lake City has risen from 1.8 °F (1970‑2000) to 2.4 °F (2000‑2025), indicating increasing variability.
2️⃣ Nationwide Heat Spikes: December 2025 in a Broader lens
- Western U.S.: 12 states reported December temperatures ≥5 °F above normal,most prominently California’s Central Valley (average +6.2 °F) and Nevada’s Reno (+5.8 °F).
- Midwest: Anomalies were milder,with Illinois averaging +1.2 °F, but a cold snap on Dec 22‑24 briefly reversed the trend.
- Northeast: New York and New England recorded near‑average lows, but elevated nighttime lows (+3 °F) contributed to higher heating demand.
Implication: Salt Lake City’s warm December aligns with a coastal‑to‑inland heat ridge driven by a persistent Pacific jet stream pattern that diverted Arctic air masses northward.
3️⃣ Impacts on Energy Consumption
- reduced heating demand: Utility billing data from Rocky Mountain Power shows a 19 % decline in residential heating usage compared with the 10‑year December average.
- Peak load shift: The typical early‑December peak at 7 p.m. moved to mid‑night,reflecting residual night‑time heating needs despite higher daytime temperatures.
- Renewable integration: Lower fossil‑fuel demand created excess capacity, allowing the intermittent wind farms in northeastern Utah to increase generation by 12 % without curtailment.
Actionable Tips for Homeowners
- Adjust thermostat settings – lower the heating setpoint by 2 °F to capitalize on natural warmth while maintaining comfort.
- Utilize programmable thermostats – schedule setbacks during daytime when indoor temperatures rise above 68 °F.
- Inspect insulation – even mild warmth can reveal hidden drafts; seal gaps to preserve energy efficiency year‑round.
4️⃣ Water Resources & Snowpack Outlook
- Snowpack deficit: The Utah Division of Water Resources reports a 35 % reduction in the December 1 snow water equivalent (SWE) compared with the 1981‑2010 average (4.8 in vs. 7.4 in).
- Precipitation: Only 0.31 in of rain fell in Salt Lake City during December, well below the 0.48 in normal.
- River flow: The Jordan River’s average discharge dropped to 215 cfs, a 28 % decline from typical December levels.
Practical measure: residents with rain barrels should store supplemental water during any mid‑winter rain events to offset the prolonged dry spell.
5️⃣ Public Health Considerations
- Heat‑related respiratory issues: The Utah Department of Health recorded a 7 % rise in asthma exacerbations linked to increased indoor heating reliance, despite overall warmer temperatures.
- Cold‑induced injuries: The warmer climate reduced the number of hypothermia cases in emergency rooms by 15 % compared with the 5‑year December average.
Health‑Focused Recommendations
- Maintain indoor air quality – use HEPA filters and humidifiers to counteract dry indoor air that can aggravate respiratory conditions.
- Stay active – take advantage of milder days for outdoor exercise, but dress in layers to mitigate sudden temperature drops during evenings.
6️⃣ Case Study: December 2024 vs. December 2025
| metric | Dec 2024 | Dec 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Temp (°F) | 29.7 | 31.2 |
| HDD | 1,388 | 1,182 |
| Daily High Max (°F) | 41 | 44 |
| Snowfall (in) | 2.1 | 0.8 |
| Residential Heating Bill (USD) | $175 | $143 |
Insights:
- The 3 °F increase translated into a $32 (18 %) reduction in average heating costs per household.
- Snowfall halved, reinforcing concerns over water supply for the upcoming spring melt.
Lesson: Small temperature shifts in winter months can ripple across energy budgets, water availability, and public health.
7️⃣ Preparing for Future Warm Winters
- Upgrade building envelope – high‑R‑value insulation and triple‑pane windows mitigate both heat loss and excessive heat gain.
- Invest in smart meters – real‑time monitoring helps households adjust usage in response to changing temperature patterns.
- Community snowpack monitoring – local volunteers can contribute data to the Utah Snow survey, enhancing forecasting accuracy.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Salt Lake City’s December 2025 temperature anomaly is statistically significant and part of a decadal warming trend.
- The warm spell has tangible benefits (lower heating bills, reduced hypothermia) and critical challenges (snowpack deficits, water security).
- Proactive energy management, water conservation, and health‑focused actions can help residents adapt to the evolving winter climate.
