When it comes to weather, summers in Utah tend to be pretty straightforward, and it’s safe to assume the day ahead will be hot, sunny, and dry. However, if you plan on heading into the mountains to escape the heat, you’ll find the weather is less predictable.
While many of the same tools we recommend for winter weather forecasting can be applied to summer too, it’s important to note that for high-elevation areas, many forecasts act as a foundation for what you can expect— but are not necessarily on the nose. This is because mountain ranges interrupt whatever weather system is moving through, and on such a small scale that its difficult for meteorologists to accurately predict.
Another tool we’ll be adding to our arsenal for peak bagging and other mountain adventures is Open Summit. From the creators of Open Snow, this forecast tool pinpoints particular summits, to relay the chance of precipitation and lightning, as well as temperature and wind speed, with an accuracy that is more reliable than the blanket forecasts you get from your iPhone weather app.
However, when it comes to summer weather, your greatest asset is your own personal knowledge and ability to interpret conditions as it happens, and most importantly, knowing how to respond— and sometimes that means throwing the towel in.
Arguably the biggest weather threat during the warmer months are thunder- and lightning storms. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains during July and August, so if you regularly play in the Uintas or similar areas, it’s crucial to be well-versed in lightning safety. Here are a few tips—
Before you head out to the trails this season, become familiar with natural hazards and best practices, because even the most beautiful, clear, sunny day can flip in an instant! Whether you’re biking, hiking, or fly fishing, safety is first.
By Alisha Aravena, Senior Editor & Content Manager, jans.com