DAVIS COUNTY—For most places in Utah, this weekend up to Monday was more than a little warm. Though most of Davis escaped the official warning from the National Weather Service about excessive heat, that didn’t stop residents from feeling it.

With temperatures reaching 106 degrees in places like Bountiful and Farmington, things were certainly in the dangerous zone. Residents were encouraged by the National Weather Service in heat like this to avoid outdoor activity during the heat of the day, to hydrate and to take frequent breaks. 

While this was certainly the hottest time of 2023 so far, if history is any measure, Davis isn’t out of the woods just yet. In the past few years, it hasn’t been uncommon to see temperatures at or above 100 degrees in mid-July to late August. 

Bearing this in mind, residents are still encouraged to take extra precautions during these extreme temperatures: hydration, and taking breaks or keeping out of the sun are extremely important to avoid things as simple as a sunburn, or as serious as heat stroke. 

A sunburn can have long-lasting effects, however, it can be generally remedied within a few days, depending on the severity. Heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, however, can have very serious, even mortally serious consequences if left untreated. Each can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and loss of consciousness.

These temperatures can certainly affect anyone, but vulnerable populations are particularly at risk. These include, but aren’t limited to the very young, the elderly, or those with preexisting conditions. Residents are encouraged during these especially warm months to check in on these populations and ensure they are fairing well.

This extends, not only to those outdoors but also to those who are living alone, those who may not have adequate cooling in their homes, and those that may be running errands for themselves. A simple check can really save a life in conditions like these.

Residents are also reminded to keep an eye on their pets: fur-covered animals like cats and dogs can be especially susceptible to the heat and may struggle to cool down. They can also scorch their paw pads on hot surfaces like concrete or asphalt. The general guideline is: if it’s too hot for human feet, it’s too hot for their feet too. 

With temperatures forecast to reach past the 100-degree mark once again this weekend, safety tips like those above can save lives in the weeks and months ahead.