textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Localized critical fire weather conditions will favor the Four Corners region this 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 106F. Consider limiting time outdoors during the heat of the day.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1158 AM MDT Fri Jul 10 2026

OVERVIEW:

An upper-level ridge will establish itself over the Intermountain West this weekend. The subsidence associated with this ridge will bring generally fair weather and hot temperatures. Winds will generally be on the lighter side, aside from 25-30 mph gusts near the Four Corners area this afternoon.

HOT WEEKEND AHEAD:

This weekend will feature the hottest temperatures of the year thus far, but confidence in reaching all-time high temperature records is decreasing. It cannot be ruled out, but there has been a downward trend in forecasted highs over the last 24 hours. The lower elevations look to sport daytime highs between 100F and 106F, 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.

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: 99F

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 CHANCES NEXT WEEK:

Temperatures moderate slightly for early next week as deeper moisture advects northward across the Four Corners region. This will likely introduce more cloud cover and increasing 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 /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 1158 AM MDT Fri Jul 10 2026

VFR cigs and vsby are expected to remain across most of western CO and eastern UT TAF sites through the forecast period, as an upper ridge builds across the region. A few showers and isolated storms will develop through early evening, however areal coverage is expected to be less compared to the last few days. Gusty outflow winds remain possible near and under any convection.

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.