Risk Snapshot
Ratings represent risk relative to North America. 100 is the highest risk for the hazard and 1 is the lowest, but does not indicate no risk. Flood and fire are rated based on the buildings in Salt Lake City exposed to these hazards. See hazard sections below and check your address for details.
Heat and drought risk in Salt Lake City, UT is very high. Precipitation risk is significant. About 25% of buildings in Salt Lake City, UT are at risk of flooding, and the risk level for these buildings is significant. About 31% of buildings in Salt Lake City, UT are at risk of wildfire, and the risk level for these buildings is relatively low. 
The number of the hottest days in Salt Lake City is projected to keep increasing.
In a typical year around 1990, people in Salt Lake City, UT experienced about 7 days above 96.6ºF in a year. By 2050, people in Salt Lake City are projected to experience an average of about 41 days per year over 96.6ºF.
The average water stress in Salt Lake City is projected to be higher around 2050 than around 2015.
The Jordan watershed, which contains Salt Lake City, UT, has experienced 855 weeks (71% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in drought of any level, and 180 weeks (15% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in Extreme or Exceptional drought. Source: National Drought Monitor.
The share of precipitation during the biggest downpours in Salt Lake City is projected to increase.
A downpour for Salt Lake City, UT is a two-day rainfall total over 0.4 inches. Around 1990, about 44.0% of precipitation fell during these downpours. In 2050, this is projected to be about 49.0%. The annual precipitation in Salt Lake City, UT is projected to increase from about 16.2" to about 17.5".
Buildings at risk in Salt Lake City average about a 20% chance of a flood about 11.0 inches deep over 30 years.
Of 168 census tracts in Salt Lake City, UT, there are 29 where more than half of buildings have significant risk from surface (pluvial) flooding and riverine (fluvial) flooding. Property owners can check a specific address for flood risk including FEMA flood zone, then take steps to reduce their vulnerability to flooding damage.
The risk on the most dangerous fire weather days in Salt Lake City is high. The number of these days per year is expected to increase through 2050.
Of 168 census tracts in Salt Lake City, UT, there are 69 where more than a quarter of buildings have significant fire risk, and 57 where more than half of buildings have significant fire risk. Property owners can take steps to mitigate their risks from wildfires.
The projections on this page describe a future that we still have a chance to avoid. To keep average global warming below 1.5ºC—the goal agreed on in the 2015 Paris Climate Accords—we need to act rapidly to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The risks presented on this page reflect modeled averages for Salt Lake City, UT under one projected emissions scenario and can vary for individual properties. To find out more, check a specific address and request a report describing risks to your property and in your area.
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report states: “If global emissions continue at current rates, the remaining carbon budget for keeping warming to 1.5ºC will likely be exhausted before 2030.” This remaining carbon budget is about the same amount as total global emissions 2010-2019.
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