textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Record highs are expected again this afternoon, and possibly heading into the weekend as well.

- Critical fire weather conditions return this afternoon as hot, dry, and gusty winds continue.

- A pattern shift is expected next week, potentially bringing a return to cooler temperatures and even some precipitation.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 946 PM MDT Wed Mar 25 2026

RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES CONTINUE:

A weak shortwave will flatten the ridge of high pressure to our south today. We can expect a few more clouds across the region as a result. Despite the clouds and cooler air moving in, high temperatures will only drop by about 5 degrees than those seen yesterday so another day of record breaking highs is in the forecast. Models are suggesting slim chances (around 20%) for an isolated shower over the northern mountains and Flat Tops in the afternoon with dry conditions expected elsewhere. Gusty afternoon winds are also on tap with gusts of 25 to 30 mph being common, with stronger winds expected for the northern valleys.

PATTERN SHIFT STILL EXPECTED:

The weekend will be fairly quiet (though some fire weather concerns do pop up) as the center of high pressure remains over west Texas. West through southwesterly flow will setup with some gusty winds expected each afternoon with some very isolated precip chances as moisture slowly creeps upwards. Midweek onwards, a deep trough is progged to move across the region possibly bringing a return to more seasonable temperatures and increased chances for widespread precipitation.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 1153 PM MDT Wed Mar 25 2026

Isolated to scattered showers will continue through the early morning hours across northwest Colorado as a weak wave passes through. Low confidence on impacts to any TAF sites aside from occasional gusty winds but kept SCT cloud cover at least. Winds overall will be light and terrain driven overnight with VFR. LLWS is possible overnight for ASE, GJT and HDN with upper level jet overhead as these sites are more sheltered valleys. More mixing Thursday afternoon will bring another day of gusty winds between 25 and 30 kts. Clouds remain SCT to BKN at times late Thursday afternoon into the evening due another passing disturbance.

FIRE WEATHER

Issued at 946 PM MDT Wed Mar 25 2026

Gusty winds and dry conditions will occur this afternoon and with green up yet to really commence, critical fire weather conditions are still expected. The Red Flag Warnings remain in place for the northern valleys. Lighter winds are expected Friday and don't warrant any highlights. However, stronger winds return Saturday and Sunday and with dry conditions still in place, critical fire weather conditions are looking likely Saturday and again Sunday. Will hold off on issuing any highlights as Friday will be a down day.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday for COZ200-202. UT...None.