Excessive Heat Warnings In Effect; St. George Could Break State’s All-Time Temperature Record

SALT LAKE CITY — Most of Utah will be under an excessive heat warning Friday with temperatures expected to reach triple digits across the Beehive State.

Officials with the National Weather Service also said St. George has a 30% chance of reaching or breaking the state’s current all-time temperature record of 117 degrees Fahrenheit.

“When we say it’s hot, this isn’t your typical St. George summer day,” NWS officials said in a tweet.

Smaller things, such as varying cloud cover, could keep St. George just under the record.

 

Salt Lake City could also see record-setting heat, passing the city’s record of 102 degrees for July 9.

Experts say to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors during extreme heat.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Doctors also encouraged Utahns to watch for early warning signs of heat-related illnesses and take preventative steps.

“It’s kind of a continuum. Heat exhaustion would be when people are having the first symptoms, headaches, lightheadedness, nausea. If one develops heatstroke, they become confused and altered, maybe vomiting,” said Dr. Andy Dorais, an emergency room physician with Intermountain Healthcare. “To avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke, hydration is key. I would recommend anything wet, except for alcohol in this instance, because alcohol can affect one’s ability to thermo-regulate and can interfere with our temperature settings.”