It's hot outside.

High temperatures aren't exactly new to Utah, but since the beginning of the summer, temperatures have been consistently even a little higher than usual. National Weather Service stats show that July in Utah usually means highs in the lower 90s — "normal" at the beginning of July is 88 degrees, and 92 degrees by July 24.

The high July 1, 2006, was 92 degrees, and things have only gotten warmer since then, topping out to tie a record 104 degrees in Salt Lake City on Saturday.

"July is generally our hottest month," said Chris Young, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

There's not much relief at night, either. Normally, temperatures dip down to around 63 degrees in the evening, but over the past few weeks that welcome drop in heat hasn't been occurring. National Weather Service data shows that over the past week, minimum temperatures have remained 3-13 degrees higher than normal, spawning some new record-high minimum temperatures. Duchesne tied a record set in 1910 on July 19. Hanksville beat out the former record high minimum record of 74 by 6 degrees on Pioneer Day. That same day, Hanksville set a new record high temperature, a blistering 112 degrees.

The heat wave gripping Utah is affecting the rest of the nation as well. Most of the western United States recorded temperatures averaging in the 100s over the past two days, causing blackouts in California as energy use soared.

The near future only holds more heat, Young said. Typically, Utah doesn't start to cool off until the beginning of August, when thunderstorms tend to start blowing through and cooling things off a bit.

"Things are going to start to cool right about the middle of August," he said.

However, cooling down is all relative, he said. This week, Sunday's temperature forecast is 97 degrees — still pretty hot, but compared to Friday and Saturday's forecasts, that's a cool down.

To avoid heatstroke and heat exhaustion due to high temperatures, the Red Cross recommends slowing down. Any strenuous activity should be done during the coolest part of the day — typically between 4 and 7 a.m. To avoid dehydration, the Red Cross also recommends drinking plenty of fluids. Water is the best bet.

It's also a good idea to eat small meals often, and avoid foods that are high in protein. And stay inside. If your home is not air conditioned, stay on the lowest floor and try to get to a public building with air conditioning for at least a few hours each day.

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E-mail: dmaxfield@desnews.com