Millcreek residents can escape triple-digit heat this weekend at free, air-conditioned Cool Zones inside Salt Lake County recreation centers, no membership required.

The National Weather Service is forecasting daytime highs in the low 100s across the Salt Lake Valley through Sunday, August 2, with overnight lows staying above 75°F. That means little relief even after dark, compounding the risk of heat-related illness for older adults, young children, and people without air conditioning.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson's office announced Friday, July 31, that five county recreation centers will keep their doors open until 8 p.m. Sunday as designated Cool Zones, according to a Gephardt Daily report. All county rec centers also remain available as Cool Zones during their normal operating hours through the weekend.

Where to go

The closest extended-hours location to Millcreek is the Dimple Dell Recreation Center (10670 S. 1000 East, Sandy), open as a Cool Zone from 3–8 p.m. Sunday. Other options with extended Sunday hours:

  • Northwest Recreation Center (1255 Clark Ave., Salt Lake City) — 2:30–8 p.m.
  • Taylorsville Recreation Center (4948 S. 2700 West, Taylorsville) — 3–8 p.m.
  • JL Sorenson Recreation Center (5350 W. Herriman Main St., Herriman) — 3–8 p.m.
  • SLC Sports Complex (645 S. Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City) — 5–8 p.m.

No purchase or membership is needed to use the Cool Zones, though not all recreation amenities will be available during extended hours. Water and bottle-filling stations may be available at some locations. A full list of Cool Zone sites and hours is posted at slco.to/zones.

The Weigand Center (437 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City) is also open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for anyone seeking heat relief.

Third straight weekend of extreme heat

This marks the third consecutive weekend of triple-digit temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley this summer. The New York Times reported Friday that the NWS forecasts Salt Lake City could reach 105°F on Saturday, August 1.

"It's just not normal summertime heat. This is kind of above normal, abnormal heat that people need to take seriously," NWS meteorologist Hayden Mahan told KSL NewsRadio on July 24, when the agency issued a heat advisory for the Wasatch Front.

Salt Lake City already set an all-time high of 109°F on July 13 and matched its highest overnight low of 82°F on July 28, according to KSL.

Check on your neighbors

County officials are urging residents to check on older adults, young children, and people who work outdoors. Standard heat safety advice applies: drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours, wear lightweight clothing, and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.

Residents without air conditioning who need help finding shelter can call 211 or visit 211utah.org.