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SALT LAKE CITY — With temperatures across much of Utah expected to hit triple digits this weekend, Salt Lake County is offering two cooling centers for residents through next week.
Forecasters predict a rare heatwave event will sweep across most of the western U.S. As temperatures are expected to rise throughout the Salt Lake Valley this month, Salt Lake County is offering both the Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 State St. in Sandy, and the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple in Salt Lake City, 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.
Weather officials 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, heat-related sickness kills over 600 people per year.
Both cooling centers in the Salt Lake Valley 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.
Excessive heat is expected this weekend. Salt Lake County @SLCoGov has set up cooling centers: https://t.co/1tPMS9ca4J#utwx#HeatSafetypic.twitter.com/SfcZHMyPFK
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 10, 2020
Salt Lake County officials encouraged everyone, especially older adults, to follow these tips:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid 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.
Get the complete forecast at ksl.com/weather/forecast.
