It’s going to be nearly record-high temperatures this week in Park City. 

The National Weather Service forecasts a high of 95 degrees Thursday, Friday and Saturday, just following Summit County’s decision to move its fire danger level to “very high.”

In Salt Lake City, an excessive heat warning is in effect Wednesday to Sunday as temperatures could hit 100 degrees and above, with a forecast of 103 degrees for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

For Park City, 95 degrees is near the National Weather Service’s recorded high of 99 degrees in 2001. Last year, the high for July was 91 degrees.

Anything 90 or above is relatively hot for a place known for its cooler mountain air, and the National Weather Service shows that the average temperature range for Park City from 1992-2024 is about 54-81 degrees.

And because of that typically cooler air, some residents may be unprepared to deal with the heat, according to Keri Gardner M.D., chief medical officer for People’s Health Clinic in Park City.

Those who regularly spend time outside in the summer heat and whose bodies have learned to adapt will probably be fine, but Parkites accustomed to cool temperatures may find themselves susceptible to heat injury, particularly the young and old, said Gardner. 

“If you are someone who is heat adapted, you actually sweat more than somebody who is not heat adapted,” Gardner said. “There’s two levels of heat injury, and the first one is heat exhaustion, where you’re overheated, you’re tired, you’re not feeling well.”

Then there’s heat stroke. 

“That’s where your body is no longer able to compensate,” she said. “So you’ll actually see people shivering, (with) goosebumps, and one of the key features of heat illness is that people become confused, and that’s why it can sneak up on you.” 

Staying hydrated is most important. For every two bottles of water, drink one with electrolytes, which can be added from a packet, she said.

The mountain climate also means many Parkites may not have air conditioning, Gardner said, so a good tip is to use a fan to bring cool air in at night. Open multiple windows for effective cross ventilation, she said. 

All Summit County buildings are available to members of the public as a cooling shelter during business hours, said Derek Moss, health director for Summit County Health Department.

Children and pets require special consideration, Gardner said, as kids have underdeveloped heat regulation and can become hot more easily. Dogs release heat by evaporating water off their tongue and a bit through their paws. A tired dog should be immediately cooled with tepid water, not ice, she said. And of course, don’t leave either unattended in the heat.

“Do not leave your freaking dog in the car,” Gardner said. 

As the fire danger in Summit County is now at “very high,” Park City Council is scheduled to consider prohibiting ignition sources, including open flames and fireworks, at its Thursday meeting. This ban would go into effect throughout the municipality’s boundaries from July 11 through Oct. 31.

According to a staff report made available ahead of the meeting, the above-average precipitation over the last two winter and spring seasons and cooler-than-normal temperatures increased the growth of fine fuels like tall grass, leaves, shrubs and branches.

With the heat, those fine fuels dry quickly, and higher fire danger becomes more likely.

Higher temperatures may also increase the risk of fire. According to Utah’s Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, roadside fires and fires related to agricultural and debris burning have increased this year.  

Utah has experienced 56 wildfires caused by motor vehicles since Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer travel season, according to the division.

The division encourages Utahns to pull over to the side of the road if they experience an emergency while driving. Park the vehicle away from dry vegetation to avoid igniting the fine grasses and shrubs often found along roadways, especially at lower elevations.