Extreme Heat

Rapid melting can be difficult for water managers to plan around because reservoirs are built for a gradual influx of snow. That can lead to more flooding without more long-term water supply.

Blood donations have fallen to a four-year low as people face extreme heat, bad air quality, and flooding. The American Red Cross said it has less than a one-day supply of type O positive blood.

Salt Lake Tribune reporters Leia Larsen and Megan Banta and data columnist Andy Larsen talk about the week’s top stories, including Kalshi losing in court to Utah, wildfires, and extreme heat.

In other news, residents near Vernon have been preparing for a possible fire evacuation. And, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation wants to know how much Utahns know about life jacket safety.

The National Weather Service forecasts a heat wave in Logan this weekend. Many places are closed on Sunday in the city. But a church will be open for people to seek refuge.

In other news, Mantua Reservoir is under a danger advisory for a harmful algae bloom. And, Republican lawmakers paused an effort to get more legislative influence over ballot initiatives.

Heat claims more lives than all other natural disasters combined, but is not officially recognized as a natural disaster. That's why cities, counties, and states are mobilizing to address the problem.

The funds, part of the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program, were earmarked to help people pay air conditioning this summer, which is anticipated to have extreme heat.

Utah has one of the highest rates of suicide in the nation. It turns out heat and pollution may be playing a bigger role than previously assumed.

Winter isn't technically over yet, but that hasn't stopped much of the Mountain West from seeing record-breaking heat since December — a trend that's expected to continue into spring.