National Weather Service
SALT LAKE CITY — Temperatures across Utah hit triple digits over the weekend. With high temperatures expected to remain, Salt Lake County is extending the dates of the two cooling centers for residents through July 24.
Anyone can cool off and get hydrated in one of these indoor air-conditioned cooling centers.
Forecasters predict a rare heatwave event will sweep across most of the western US. As temperatures are expected to rise throughout the valley this month, Salt Lake County is offering both the Mountain America Expo Center and Salt Palace Convention Center to residents as cooling centers.
The Salt Lake City office of the National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisory for portions of southern and western Utah.
They also expect that daily temperature records could be set across a number of western cities. They predict that Las Vegas could see a high of 113, Phoenix could see a record high of 117, and Death Valley could see temperatures reach highs of 126.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related sickness kills over 600 people per year.
Both buildings will be open from noon to 7:00 p.m. until Tuesday, July 14. The county says face coverings will be required and social distancing protocols will be enforced. They are also asking that anyone who has symptoms of illness not come.
Health officials encourage everyone, especially older adults, to exercise caution in excessive heat by following these tips:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
Wear appropriate clothing; light-colored and lightweight fabrics work best.
Stay indoors during midday when outside temperatures are hottest, usually between noon and 3:00 p.m.
Take it easy, avoiding exercise and strenuous activity when it’s hottest outside.
Know the warning signs of heat-related illness, which include dizziness, nausea, rapid heart rate, chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Visit a cooling center if necessary.