Excessive heat coming this weekend, reminders to stay safe

SALT LAKE CITY — Areas from the Wasatch Front to St. George are expected to reach temperatures in the triple digits this weekend. There will be an excessive heat warning in place for the Wasatch Front from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning, and St. George is expected to reach 114 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday. 

National Weather Service Senior Meteorologist Monica Traphagan said St. George won’t see temperatures below 100 degrees until Monday. Salt Lake will have to wait until Tuesday for temperatures to drop. 

Safety during excessive

Traphagan said these are the temperatures you have to be careful in. 

“We see greater instances of heat illness and greater hospitalizations and stuff like that…given that it can be dangerous, we want to make people aware,” said Traphagan. 

It is best to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, which are the afternoons. If you do have to be outside during those times, make sure you take precautions. 

According to the National Weather Service, proper precautions include hydrating, especially when you are working or exercising outside, knowing the signs of heat-related illness and acting quickly if they appear, and avoiding overexertion during the hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Take hourly breaks in the shade or air conditioning.  

If you begin to experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness, the Centers for Disease Control advises seeking medical attention promptly. The symptoms of heat-related illness can lead to illness or death if left untreated. 

The projected high for Salt Lake City will be 104 on Sunday. 

Related reading: 

• Preparing for and staying safe in extreme heat
• Some tips on preventing sunburn in extreme heat