July brought new wind records to Salt Lake City after a gusty spring - Axios Salt Lake CityLog InLog InAxios Salt Lake City is an Axios company.

July brought new wind records to Salt Lake after a gusty spring

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios Like the temperature, July's wind was also record-setting.This continues a of extremely gusty wind in Salt Lake City. Why it matters: High wind in summer worsens wildfire danger, spreading flames and preventing fire crews from using aircraft to fight fires.It kicks up dust, which can be , especially for people with health problems.It also damages trees, reducing amid warming temperatures. Flashback: Remember a few weeks back, when ash began falling over Salt Lake City?That was from a wildfire in Tooele County that was spread by wind and carried in thick clouds across the Oquirrh Mountains.Note: Gale force winds are those above 39mph; Data: NOAA; Chart: Axios Visuals By the numbers: The average daily peak wind gust in July was the highest of any calendar month since weather watchers began recording wind speeds at the Salt Lake City airport in 1954, according to Axios' analysis of .May, June and July posted the highest daily peak average of those respective months — and April had the third highest average of any April on record. Gusts exceeded 39 mph — the of "gale" winds — on more days during the past four months than any four months on record. How it works: When thunderstorms occur in drought conditions, the rain can evaporate before it reaches the ground, in what's known as "dry thunderstorms." The evaporation cools the air, causing it to move downward and fan out into wind gusts. What's next: Monsoon season typically ends in September, so August could be windy, too. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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