textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Record high temperatures remain possible through Monday.

- Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the northwest and west- central Colorado valleys today and Monday from 12-8 pm MDT.

- A pattern shift is expected Tuesday through the coming week, bringing cooler temperatures, valley rain, and potentially some mountain snow.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1247 PM MDT Sun Mar 29 2026

HOT, DRY, AND WINDY WEATHER CONTINUES:

Upper-level flow over the majority of the US remains zonal as the broad high pressure system driving our abnormally warm temperatures continues to push eastwards towards the Atlantic. We're still eying two days of potentially record-breaking afternoon highs though for the vast majority of the region as temperatures are 10-20 degrees above normal. The pressure gradient across the CWA is likely to tighten over the next 48 hours too. As such, gusts could reach 25-35 mph today and 40-50 mph tomorrow in many valleys. Conditions are dry as well with most valleys expected to fall below 15% RH today and tomorrow, prompting critical fire weather conditions for some areas.

PATTERN SHIFT AHEAD, SNOW RETURNS:

As a trough digs into the western CONUS early in the week, temperatures cool back down behind a cold front descending from the northwest on Tuesday. Look for afternoon highs to remain above normal, albeit below records. Coinciding with this, we are likely to see our next round of widespread precipitation. Per ensembles, anomalous moisture will move in from the southwest beginning on Monday, but with the dry surface conditions, we will see mostly only cloudy skies until the environment saturates on Tuesday and beyond. Thanks to colder conditions across the region, most mountain ranges will fall below freezing during overnight periods. Valleys will still be far too warm though, leaving snow levels around 8000-9000 ft. Nonetheless, we've seen remarkable consistency over several forecasts now regarding snow totals. Colorado mountain ranges are extremely likely (>90% chance) of surpassing 6" of 3-day accumulation by Thursday evening, with some localized areas likely (50-75% chance) to surpass 12" of 3-day accumulation according to NBM guidance. Those higher-end probabilities would likely be confined to locations above pass level, but regardless, it at least spells some marginal relief for our suffering snowpack.

Upper-level support diminishes late Thursday, providing a lull in precipitation before a second trough is expected to swing through on Friday. Temperatures cool once again with this system, and current indications are that we will see afternoon highs, for the first time in a long time, fall below normal. Snow levels will be lower as a result, but it remains to be seen what the potential is for valleys to see some snowfall during this second system. Moisture will be less impressive by this point too, so it is expected that this system will be less impressive than the first. Stay tuned for additional updates over the coming days.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 533 PM MDT Sun Mar 29 2026

VFR conditions are forecast through the TAF period. Winds will gust up to 30 knots at valley terminals and 40 knots at mountain terminals tomorrow afternoon, mainly coming from the southwest.

FIRE WEATHER

Issued at 1247 PM MDT Sun Mar 29 2026

Red Flag Warnings remain in effect this afternoon and Monday afternoon. Locations with critical fuels are anticipated to see gusts of 25-35 mph today and as high as 45 mph tomorrow, and relative humidities will likely fall below 15% throughout much of the afternoons. Critical fire weather conditions quickly drop off on Tuesday and beyond as strong moisture returns to the region.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Red Flag Warning until 8 PM MDT this evening for COZ200-202- 203-205. Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 PM MDT Monday for COZ200-202- 203-205. UT...None.