textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Record highs are expected again this afternoon, with a lower potential for broken records Friday through Monday.

- Critical fire weather conditions return this afternoon as hot, dry, and gusty winds continue. Winds calm down tomorrow before picking up again Saturday and Sunday, bringing more localized critical fire weather conditions.

- A pattern shift is expected next week, bringing a return to cooler temperatures, valley rain, and potentially some mountain snow.

UPDATE

Issued at 816 PM MDT Thu Mar 26 2026

Gusty winds have subsided and so have relative humidities. Red Flag Conditions are no longer being met so the warning has been allowed to expire.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1202 PM MDT Thu Mar 26 2026

RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES CONTINUE:

The region remains 15-25 degrees above normal today as broad high pressure is situated to our south, trapping us under zonal flow. This is bringing forth yet another day of record-breaking high temperatures for the majority of the CWA. Things are cooling off though, in part thanks to an embedded shortwave passing through today, prompting some cloudier skies and a low chance for light rain showers over the high terrain. Following suit, a cold front is likely to pass through overnight, which could end this lengthy streak of broken high temperature records for much of the region. In spite of this, some localized record highs are still possible through the weekend. As warmer- than-usual weather continues, look for gusty winds today and this weekend to prompt some localized fire weather concerns, particularly over northwestern Colorado.

PATTERN SHIFT EXPECTED:

The broad high pressure system set up over the southern US finally budges on Monday, bringing a shift to southwesterly flow over the Desert Southwest. By Tuesday, a surge of moisture arrives to the west slope, prompting what is expected to be our next round of widespread precipitation, likely persisting through the work week and potentially into the weekend. This system is trending on the colder side, meaning temperatures could be capable of supporting some additional snowfall over our mountain ranges. Ensembles are still too variable at the moment to speculate on the details, so stay tuned for updates over the coming days.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 544 PM MDT Thu Mar 26 2026

Strong wind gusts will persist at most TAF sites for the next hour or so, especially around lingering afternoon precipitation, but will gradually weaken through the evening hours. However, overnight winds may remain around 8 to 12 kts at some sites. Tonight clouds will clear south of I-70, but high level cloud coverage will increase elsewhere.

FIRE WEATHER

Issued at 1202 PM MDT Thu Mar 26 2026

Gusts of 20-45 mph are possible across portions of the region today, particularly over northwestern Colorado where fuels are critical. Paired with the expectation for relative humidity to fall below 15% for these same areas, critical fire weather conditions are anticipated this afternoon through this evening. Winds calm down tomorrow before ramping up again on Saturday and Sunday. Fire weather highlights have not been issued for this period yet due to uncertainty in relative humidity values and coverage, but highlights may be necessary sometime within the next 24-36 hours depending on model trends. Even if fire weather highlights are not issued, localized critical fire weather conditions are still likely across northwestern Colorado this weekend.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...None. UT...None.