On Sunday, the National Weather Service of Salt Lake City reported that the city’s temperature reached a record high of 107 Fahrenheit. KSL reported weather service issued excessive heat warnings for the Wasatch Front and other areas of Utah.
According to ABC4 News, the temperature tied the city’s all-time record high. Salt Lake City has only reached 107 on three other occasions: 1960, 2002 and 2021.
Salt Lake City’s heat wave might last until Pioneer Day. According to KSL, Salt Lake City could stay in triple digit temperatures until July 24, which would tie another record.
Utah isn’t the only area dealing with record temperatures. According to The New York Times, Britain is bracing for the hottest temperatures it has ever experienced. The U.K. issued its first “red warning” for July 18 and 19. According to the U.K.’s national weather service, temperatures are forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius, or 104 F. Previously, the U.K. has only reached 38.7 C, which is just shy of 102 F.
The Associated Press reported that this same heat wave is also impacting France, Spain, Portugal and Croatia. France and Spain are facing wildfires, including one that led to the death of two people, and Portugal recently had to evacuate 600 people due to wildfires.
News outlets like The Guardian are calling this a “heat apocalypse.” Similar to a climate apocalypse, a heat apocalypse refers to the devastation that a society experiences due to the heat.
During these high temperatures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises:
- Stay inside in air-conditioned buildings. Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
- Do not rely on fans as the primary cooling device during excessive heat; air conditioning is more effective.
- Drink water steadily throughout the day.
- Be careful about spending time outside and wear sunscreen.
- Avoid using the oven or stove as it will generate heat.