textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Record heat and predominately dry conditions move in for the weekend and early next week.

- Chance for showers return to the southern mountains and valleys mid to late next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1135 AM MDT Fri Jul 31 2026

LAST OF THE MOISTURE:

Dry air continues to filter into the region. Also, an inversion associated with that dry air has put a cap on the instability. Although there may be enough moisture for clouds and light showers mainly over the higher terrain this afternoon. The better chances are along and east of the Divide.

HOT AND DRY:

Over the next several days high pressure is expected to drift over the Desert Southwest. This will bring warmer temperatures and a drier airmass to the region. All of that results in record high temperatures this weekend and into next week for many locations. Also, localized critical fire weather is possible through that period. Winds speeds in the afternoon may reach 25 mph in spots with minimum humidity in the teens and single digits. Afternoon showers may still be possible along the Divide, but elsewhere stays dry through mid next week. On Monday, a trough tracks over the northern tier of the country, which may suppress the high pressure slightly. Beyond that temperatures still look well above normal and the high shifts to our southeast. This may bring moisture back into the area that could support afternoon storms once again.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 1135 AM MDT Fri Jul 31 2026

Mainly VFR conditions are expected to continue across the region through this TAF period. However, a brief pd of MVFR cigs/vsby is possible this aftn and early evening due to a passing shower. Limited the use of PROB30 language in TAFs as showers are expected to remain isolated to scattered. Winds will pick up some through the aftn with gusts to around 20 mph for some terminals. Light winds and clear skies will return this evening and cont into Saturday morning.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Heat Advisory from noon Sunday to 9 PM MDT Monday for COZ006. UT...Heat Advisory from noon Sunday to 9 PM MDT Monday for UTZ022. Heat Advisory from noon to 9 PM MDT Sunday for UTZ024. Extreme Heat Warning from noon Saturday to 9 PM MDT Monday for UTZ027-029.