textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Localized critical fire weather conditions will favor the Four Corners region Friday afternoon.

- 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 110F. Consider limiting time outdoors during the heat of the day.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 943 PM MDT Thu Jul 9 2026

An upper level ridge will begin to establish itself over the Intermountain West beginning this weekend and lingering into early next week. The subsidence associated with this ridge will bring generally fair weather to the region, with HOT temperatures. Winds will generally be on the lighter side, with gusts (25-30 mph) expected to favor the Four Corners area each afternoon. Hence, localized critical fire weather conditions will be around for that area Friday.

HOT WEEKEND AHEAD:

Confidence is increasing that this weekend will be one for the record books in terms of high temperatures. For the lower elevations, daytime highs are forecast to run between 100F and 110F, with Sunday being the hottest day. This heat is expected to linger into next week, but mainly for areas along and north of the I-70 corridor. We are expecting high temperatures to be near all time records, if not breaking those records in some places.

Here are some all-time record highs...

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

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

* Grand Junction: 106F * Meeker: 100F * Rifle: 103F * Craig: 102F * Vernal: 102F

All of this heat in combination 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 CHANCES NEXT WEEK:

Temperatures moderate slightly for early next week as deeper moisture is advected northward across the Four Corners region. This will likely introduce more cloud cover and lead to a better chance for convection each afternoon next week. 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 SATURDAY/

Issued at 1125 PM MDT Thu Jul 9 2026

Some very isolated convection is possible today and with that some gusty outflow winds will also be possible. Outside of convection, occasional gusts of 20 to 25kts in the afternoon will be common. Midlevel clouds will also make an appearance generally over the higher terrain.

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 Monday night for COZ008-011. Heat Advisory from noon Saturday to midnight MDT Sunday night for COZ020-021. 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.