textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Hot and dry weather continues through the week with a chance to set daily high temperature records each afternoon.

- Widespread critical fire weather conditions develop under a hot, dry, windy regime Wednesday and Thursday.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1029 PM MDT Mon Mar 23 2026

HOT AND DRY WEATHER CONTINUES WITH RECORD HIGHS:

High pressure reasserts itself across the west Tuesday, as troughing digs into the east. An upper level jet drapes along our northern border with Wyoming, keeping some high clouds and breezy afternoon winds in the forecast through the period. The high is expected to gradually track east through the back half of the week, bringing increased sunshine, much drier air, and warm air advection to eastern Utah and western Colorado. Look for record highs to continue as we climb back towards temperatures 20-30 degrees above normal. Deep mixing under the high's influence will tap into the stronger upper level winds each afternoon, but especially Wednesday and Thursday. Gusts of 25-35 mph are expected for the higher elevations and areas north of I-70.

FIRE WEATHER CONCERNS:

Critical fire weather conditions will be possible Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, mainly for northwest Colorado where fuels have been deemed critical. Wind gusts above 25 mph and daytime humidity values below 15% are expected to be widespread. Fire Weather Watches are in effect both afternoons. While fire danger is high, make sure to be fire smart. Secure chains, make sure campfires are completely out, and closely monitor any outdoor burning.

LOOKING AHEAD:

High pressure dominates the majority of the period, but there are hints of a potential shift to more unsettled weather next week. There is much model disagreement over the details, but ensemble and deterministic guidance do agree on a trough deepening along the West Coast early next week. This puts the Four Corners under a moist and unsettled southerly to southwesterly flow. Stay tuned.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 511 AM MDT Tue Mar 24 2026

VFR conditions will prevail over the next 24 hours with passing mid to high level clouds above ILS markers. Winds will generally be light though a few gusts near 25 mph will be possible this afternoon.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Fire Weather Watch Wednesday afternoon for COZ200>202. Fire Weather Watch Thursday afternoon for COZ200>202. UT...None.