How To Stay Safe During Summer Heat In Southern Utah

As summer temperatures begin to rise across southern Utah, health officials are encouraging residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, which remain one of the leading weather-related causes of death in the United States.

Speaking on the Ounce of Prevention program on KSUB radio, Southwest Utah Public Health Department Public Information Officer Dave Heaton said Utah experienced its hottest year on record in 2025, with an average annual temperature that surpassed records dating back to 1934.

While temperatures vary from season to season, Heaton noted that southern Utah residents should prepare for the possibility of extreme heat, particularly following a dry winter. He explained that excessive heat contributes to approximately 2,000 deaths annually in the United States and can pose serious health risks for people of all ages.

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“Extreme heat is consistently the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States,” Heaton said during the broadcast.

Older Adults, Younger Children Most Vulnerable

Older adults, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable. During periods of extreme heat, Heaton recommends staying indoors in air-conditioned environments whenever possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures are typically at their highest.

For those who must work or recreate outdoors, precautions include wearing loose-fitting long-sleeve clothing, hats, and sunglasses, applying sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, and taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

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Heaton also explained the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion can cause excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and weakness. In most cases, symptoms improve by moving to a cooler location, drinking water, and cooling the body.

Heat stroke, however, is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot and dry skin, a strong pulse, vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should be moved to a cool location immediately and emergency services should be contacted.

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When it comes to hydration, Heaton said there is no universal recommendation for a specific number of glasses of water each day. Individual needs vary depending on age, body type, activity level, and environmental conditions. Instead, residents should focus on drinking water regularly and responding to signs of thirst, particularly when active outdoors.

Sun protection is another important concern in Utah, where higher elevations and outdoor lifestyles contribute to increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Heaton recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. He also encouraged residents to watch for changes in moles or skin spots that could indicate skin cancer and to seek medical evaluation when necessary.

Additional health and safety information is available through the Southwest Utah Public Health Department at swuhealth.gov and on the department’s social media platforms.