textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Record-breaking heat is expected for western Colorado and eastern Utah beginning this weekend.

- Daytime highs for the lower elevations are forecast to run between 100F and 106F. Consider limiting time outdoors during the heat of the day.

- Moisture looks to return next week, potentially bringing increased cloud cover and daily chances of convection.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1043 PM MDT Fri Jul 10 2026

HOT AND DRY THIS WEEKEND:

Building high pressure will bring hot and dry conditions this weekend. Winds will generally be on the lighter side, with the exception of some stronger overnight gusts in the Four Corners region due to synoptically enhanced drainage winds. The persistent dry airmass in place will keep atmospheric moisture anomalously low through most of the weekend. Consequently, many areas will have single digit relative humidity values, especially on Saturday.

This weekend's high temperatures are forecast to be some of the hottest we have seen so far this year. Overall, forecast highs have continued to trend downward but in the areas where temperatures did drop, they only fell by about a degree with this forecast package.

Here are some all-time record highs...

* Grand Junction: 107F (2023) * Meeker: 99F (2005) * Rifle: 104F (2021) * Craig: 101F (2023) * Vernal: 104F (2021)

Now for Sunday's forecasted highs for those same areas...

* Grand Junction: 105F * Meeker: 99F * Rifle: 102F * Craig: 100F * Vernal: 102F

All of this heat combined with the persistent drought conditions is not good news, especially for the ongoing wildfires and those on the ground fighting them. Be aware of heat safety practices. Never leave people or pets unattended in a closed car - look before you lock! Stay hydrated, and if you are outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning. This heat has the potential to be dangerous and poses a threat to heat illnesses.

MOISTURE NEXT WEEK:

Increased moisture is expected to bring increased cloud cover and greater chances for convection each afternoon. Current guidance depicts the bullseye of moisture to be located over the western Great Basin, but there appears to be enough moisture trapped in the flow aloft which could lead to a daily thunderstorm threat. This will hopefully work to bring some relief from the heat for the latter half of next week.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z MONDAY/

Issued at 1043 PM MDT Fri Jul 10 2026

VFR conditions will continue for the next 24 hours. Expect some gusty afternoon winds as usual. VFR continues...

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Extreme Heat Warning from noon Saturday to midnight MDT Monday night for COZ001-002-006-007. Heat Advisory from noon Saturday to midnight MDT Sunday night for COZ011-020-021. UT...Extreme Heat Warning from noon Saturday to midnight MDT Monday night for UTZ024-027. Extreme Heat Warning from noon Saturday to midnight MDT Sunday night for UTZ022-029.