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During one of the most intense summers in recent years, record breaking temperatures are being reported throughout the nation. Portland, Oregon s public transportation was partially suspended and photos of melted power cables surfaced on Twitter.
In Utah, the Utah Division of Water Resources reports that 98% of the state is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. In 2020, Utah recorded a record hot and dry year that left soils extremely arid. During the water year, which runs from October to September, there was approximately 17 inches of precipitation. Utah is used to about 27 inches of precipitation. Because the soil is so dry and since there was less precipitation than usual, there has been less runoff to fill our streams, replenish aquifers and recharge our reservoirs.