SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Warmer temperatures have brought an early start to spring-like conditions in Utah, but experts warn the shift could impact the state’s water supply.

Snowmelt and runoff are happening weeks earlier than usual, raising concerns about how this mild winter will impact future water supply, according to Hayden Mayhan, a Meterologist at the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City.

“We’re looking at our probably our earliest 80-degree reading on record here in Salt Lake City,” Mayhan said.

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However, some residents are enjoying the warmer weather.

“I love it. I haven’t had to shovel any snow this year, so I’m a happy guy,” said Russ Wilman, a local.

The warmer temperatures are also accelerating snowmelt, which could create challenges in the months ahead.

“Most of our snow is at those really high elevation sites above 9,000 feet, and currently, for our snow water equivalent, we’re sitting at 7.4 inches. That’s historically low for this time of year,” Mayhan said.

That low snowpack is already raising red flags.

“It’s very concerning, especially since we live in an arid state,” Mayhan said.

If current conditions continue, experts say Utah could see reduced water levels during the hottest part of the year.

“Assuming we continue on the current trajectory, we’re going to melt off that water earlier than normal. What that means going forward, there’s just going to be less water in these streams and tributaries,” Mayhan said.

Drought conditions are already widespread across the state. Mayhan said that 98% of the state is in drought conditions.

“Our drought could be worsening as we head into the summer, and the summer is our hottest and driest time of the year,” Mayhan said.

Despite the concerns, there is one potential benefit to the early melt. Experts say having less snow this spring could lower the risk of flooding.

Mayhan added that Utah is still benefiting from the 2023 storm, which has kept water reservoirs above normal.

“We’re actually about 4% above capacity, where we normally sit this time of year for our reservoirs, but that will obviously be changing here in the coming months,” he said.

Still, Mayhan warns that the bigger issue lies ahead.

“We can’t really afford to have another dry season next season,” he said.

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