textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Red Flag Warnings are in effect for northeast UT and northwest CO today (1PM-7PM) due to gusty winds and low RH.

- Slight chance (20-30%) of showers and thunderstorms for the San Juans this afternoon.

- Hot, dry, windy conditions will develop again Saturday, Fire Weather Watches are currently out for much of eastern UT and western CO for for that day.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1144 AM MDT Thu Jun 4 2026

High pressure will begin to overtake the Intermountain West today. Most of the Western Slope will remain dry for the foreseeable future. A bit of moisture pooled along the southern Divide will bring a slight chance (20-30%) of showers and thunderstorms to the San Juans this afternoon. Temperatures will begin to climb 10-15 degrees above normal beginning this afternoon. Daytime highs will be approaching record breaking territory each afternoon through at least Saturday, with triple digits possible across the lower desert valleys. If planning on recreating outdoors, make sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade. Due to a tightening pressure gradient, breezy conditions are expected across northeast Utah and northwest Colorado this afternoon. Gusts up to 30mph are possible. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for this area. See the Fire Weather discussion for more details. Areas along and south of I-70 will see lighter winds to end the work week.

THE WEEKEND + BEYOND:

A strong low pressure system currently situated off the Gulf of Alaska is projected to drop towards the PacNW by the weekend. At this point, eastern Utah and western Colorado will be sandwiched between the low and ridging over the Plains. Because of this, the pressure gradient will tighten considerably, allowing strong southwesterly flow aloft to mix down towards the surface. Widespread gusts of 25-35mph are expected, with locally stronger gusts possible. Surface conditions remain dry, leading to widespread critical fire weather conditions. The pattern driving this conditions does not appear to change as we move into early next week, with persistent longwave troughing over the west and ridging to the east. This will continue to keep fire weather concerns alive.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 1144 AM MDT Thu Jun 4 2026

VFR conditions are expected to prevail through the TAF period. Gusty winds are the main concern today, with most terminals remaining gusty through the evening hours. Gusts are expected to fall within the 20-25kt range. Some mid level cloud development is being observed near the higher terrain, with most areas seeing high clouds throughout the day. Showers and thunderstorms are possible (20-30%) for the San Juans this afternoon, but opted to not include any mention in the KTEX TAF because confidence remains low for anything to reach the terminal.

FIRE WEATHER

Issued at 1144 AM MDT Thu Jun 4 2026

A tightening pressure gradient will make for a gusty afternoon today, particularly for northeast UT and northwest CO. Gusts as high as 30mph are expected, with locally higher gusts possible. Dry surface conditions, with relative humidities below 15% are also expected. Hence, Red Flag Warnings are in effect from 1PM to 7PM today for UTZ486, UTZ487, COZ200, and COZ202. By Saturday, we will be positioned between two large upper level features leading to strong southwesterly flow aloft, eventually mixing down towards the surface. This will lead to the return of hot, dry, windy conditions for the foreseeable future. Confidence is increasing for Saturday to be the next day for widespread critical fire weather concerns. Therefore, Fire Weather Watches are currently in effect for much of eastern Utah and western Colorado for Saturday (12PM-9PM).

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Red Flag Warning until 7 PM MDT this evening for COZ200-202. Fire Weather Watch from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening for COZ200-202-203-207-290-292. UT...Red Flag Warning until 7 PM MDT this evening for UTZ486-487. Fire Weather Watch from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening for UTZ486-487-490-491.