textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Isolated to scattered showers and storms are possible this afternoon, mainly for the San Juans.

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

- Hot, dry, windy conditions will develop again Saturday, and likely will persist into early next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1042 PM MDT Wed Jun 3 2026

HOT, DRY, AND WINDY:

High pressure begins to nose in from the west today as the blocking low over the Baja finally drifts east. This will push the southerly moisture tap east of the Divide, leaving the Western Slope high and dry. 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, but otherwise skies will be mostly clear. Temperatures jump 10-15 degrees above normal starting this afternoon. Highs will approach record 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. A tighter pressure gradient across northwest Colorado and northeast Utah will result in breezy conditions, with gusts up to 30 mph possible this afternoon. 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 through the end of the work week.

LOOKING AHEAD:

A strong low pressure system will gradually work its way southward out of the Gulf of Alaska through the end of the work week. By the weekend, the low is expected to drop into the PNW, while ridging dominates over the Plains. Sandwiched between these two features, the pressure gradient over eastern Utah and western Colorado will tighten up considerably. This means gusty southwesterly winds, with widespread gusts of 25-35 mph, and locally stronger gusts possible. Surface conditions remain dry, leading to the potential for widespread critical fire weather conditions. The pattern driving these conditions doesn't substantially change through early next week, with persistent longwave troughing over the west and ridging to the east. This will keep fire weather concerns alive and well through the period.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 537 AM MDT Thu Jun 4 2026

Light, terrain driven winds are ongoing across the area. During the afternoon today west winds with gusts up to 20 to 30 kts are forecast at most sites. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible over the central and southern Divide after 18Z. SKC to FEW is expected by the end of the TAF period. VFR conditions are expected to prevail.

FIRE WEATHER

Issued at 1042 PM MDT Wed Jun 3 2026

A tight pressure gradient will make for a gusty afternoon Thursday, particularly for northeast Utah and northwest Colorado. Gusts as high as 30 mph are expected, with locally higher gusts possible. Dry surface conditions, with relative humidities below 15% are also expected. Hence, decided to issue a Red Flag Warning for UTZ486, UTZ487, COZ200, and COZ202 from 1PM to 7PM. As temperatures begin to surge this weekend and gusty winds return, another day of widespread critical fire weather conditions are expected Saturday. Hot, dry, and windy conditions look to persist into early next week.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Red Flag Warning from 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM MDT this evening for COZ200-202. UT...Red Flag Warning from 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM MDT this evening for UTZ486-487.