This Salt Lake City building has been telling you the weather for 80 years
Welcome back, Utah. From Snowbird's Oktoberfest kicking off in Little Cottonwood Canyon to authentic German comfort food at Siegfried's Delicatessen and Bear Lake residents fighting to preserve their pristine waters, it's been another eventful week in the Beehive State - let's dive in!
🔥 Cool facts about Utah
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There's a Utah town called Levan that sits right in the geographic center of the state - and "Levan" is actually "navel" spelled backwards, making it literally Utah's belly button!
📰 Utah news
Authorities recovered the body of a 77-year-old man who was found dead on his boat at Lake Powell near Bullfrog Marina on Saturday morning. Passing boaters discovered the man around 10:20 a.m. anchored alone in a cove, and multiple agencies including the Garfield County Sheriff's Office and Glen Canyon Park Rangers responded to recover the body. Officials report there's no indication of accident, foul play, or suicide, though the investigation remains open.
A high-pressure system is moving into Utah this week, bringing above-normal temperatures that will climb into dangerous territory. The National Weather Service forecasts highs reaching the low 90s Monday, building to 100 degrees by Wednesday before moisture arrives Thursday to bring relief. This follows a pattern of increasingly hot summers in Utah, with temperatures rising more than 2.5°F since the beginning of the 20th century.
Bear Lake residents are raising serious concerns about rapid development threatening the pristine lake that straddles the Utah-Idaho border. A new Utah State University survey reveals growing worries about environmental impacts from increased septic systems, short-term rentals, and development to accommodate rising tourism, with populations in surrounding counties growing nearly 6% between 2020 and 2023. Long-time residents fear the "urbanization of this beautiful, wild lake" could damage the delicate ecosystem and change the area's character permanently.
📅 This week in Utah
🍺 Snowbird Oktoberfest
Nothing beats sipping authentic German beer while surrounded by the stunning alpine scenery of Little Cottonwood Canyon! Running Saturdays and Sundays through October 12, this festival brings Bavaria to Utah with over 50 beer varieties, traditional bratwurst and pretzels, live music, and family-friendly games.
Insider tip: Take the scenic tram ride up for incredible mountain views between your beer tastings - it's like getting two experiences in one!
🎭 Utah Shakespeare Festival
Cedar City transforms into a theatrical wonderland this month with world-class performances that make the Bard accessible and exciting for everyone. Tonight's evening performances showcase both classic Shakespeare and contemporary works in the festival's renowned outdoor amphitheater setting.
What to expect: Even if you think you don't like Shakespeare, these productions are known for making the stories feel fresh and engaging - plus the summer evening atmosphere under the stars is pure magic.
🎠 Wayne County Fair
There's nothing quite like a classic county fair to bring out Utah's community spirit, and this one runs through August 16 with all the beloved traditions. From thrilling rodeo action and carnival rides to local pie contests and live entertainment, it's small-town Utah at its finest.
Local secret: Don't miss the homemade food vendors - the local church groups and community organizations serve up some of the best comfort food you'll find anywhere in the state.
🍴 Utah eats
Siegfried's Delicatessen brings a taste of old-world Germany right to downtown Salt Lake City, serving up authentic bratwurst, schnitzel, and hearty comfort food that would make any Bavarian grandmother proud.
Their homemade sausage plate paired with traditional Hungarian goulash has become legendary among locals, while their decadent German chocolate cake provides the perfect sweet finish to any meal.
What makes Siegfried's uniquely Utah is how this family-owned deli has become a downtown institution, offering both a casual dining experience and a European market stocked with imported German chocolates, sauerkraut, and specialty meats that you can't find anywhere else in the valley.
Insider tip: Don't miss their generous portions at incredibly reasonable prices, plus they offer that rare downtown gem - completely free parking, making it perfect for a quick lunch break or leisurely European-style meal.
Siegfried’s Delicatessen
20 W 200 S, Salt Lake City
http://www.siegfriedsdelicatessen.com/
🌤 Utah Weather
Monday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - High 89°F / Low 61°F
Tuesday: ☀️ Sunny - High 93°F / Low 71°F
Wednesday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - High 96°F / Low 73°F
Thursday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - High 93°F / Low 68°F
Friday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - High 87°F / Low 67°F
Saturday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - High 87°F / Low 67°F
Sunday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - High 88°F / Low 66°F
This week brings classic summer weather with temperatures peaking mid-week before cooling slightly for the weekend - perfect conditions for hiking the early morning trails or catching those evening outdoor concerts while avoiding the afternoon heat.
The Walker Center: Downtown's sky-high weather oracle
Towering above downtown Salt Lake City at 225 feet, the Walker Center isn't just another office building - it's Utah's most reliable weather forecaster and a century-old architectural landmark that defines the valley skyline.
This magnificent Chicago School skyscraper, originally built in 1912 as headquarters for the Walker Brothers Bank, offers incredible views from its observation platform and boasts one of the most unique features in any American city: a 64-foot neon weather beacon that's been guiding locals since the 1940s.
Did you know? The tower's colors follow a simple rhyme that locals have memorized for generations: "Solid blue: skies are too, flashing blue: clouds are due, solid red: rain ahead, flashing red: snow instead."
While the building has been upgraded to LED lighting that can now display different colors for holidays and special events, the classic weather code remains the default setting, making it both a practical forecasting tool and a beloved piece of living Utah history.
Located at 175 S Main Street, the Walker Center continues operating as premium office space while serving as downtown's unofficial meteorologist - just look up any evening and let the "Great Lady of Salt Lake City" tell you tomorrow's weather.