High temperatures prompt multiple rescues in southern Utah
Jun 12, 2025, 3:00 PM | Updated: 3:20 pm
FILE - Washington County search and rescue crews answer a call
SALT LAKE CITY — Temperatures reached triple digits in parts of southern Utah on Wednesday, keeping search and rescue crews busy.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said it had to help four different people suffering from heat-related symptoms in the span of about four hours on Wednesday, including a man in his 50s struggling on a trail in Hurricane.
“Due to the severity of his heat exhaustion, it was determined that it would be better to get him out via Life Flight,” Sgt. Jacob Paul said.
The man was taken to the hospital, but the others who were helped were able to go home on their own.
Paul said the rescues yesterday were part of more than 20 people they’ve had to help because of the heat in the last two weeks.
“We’ve continually had to send our rescuers out to assist those people because they weren’t prepared with the equipment that they needed and hiking in temperatures that really aren’t appropriate to be hiking.”
Paul said when it hits triple digits, don’t go hiking.
“There’s no amount of hydration that you can have while you’re out on the trail, even if you do bring a lot of water, that can continue to keep you hydrated.”
Instead, Paul recommended hiking in the morning before it gets too hot.
“It’s still good enough hiking weather, but try to plan accordingly and have your hike finished before it gets into those triple digits.”
By Sunday, highs in Salt Lake City are expected to get back up to 97 degrees. St. George is expected to hit 105 degrees by the end of the weekend.
