Grand Junction, CO – Residents across western Colorado and eastern Utah should prepare for several days of dangerous heat as an Extreme Heat Warning takes effect beginning Saturday afternoon, with temperatures climbing as high as 106 degrees in many lower elevation communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, the warning begins at noon Saturday, July 11, and continues until midnight MDT Monday night, July 13, for portions of western Colorado, including the Grand Valley, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Lower Yampa River Basin, and Central Yampa River Basin. In eastern Utah, the warning extends through midnight MDT Monday for the Eastern Uinta Basin and Arches/Grand Flat, including Moab and Arches National Park.
A separate Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through midnight MDT Sunday night, July 12, for Southeast Utah and the Canyonlands/Natural Bridges region, including Blanding, Bluff, Mexican Hat, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Natural Bridges National Monument.
Forecasters say afternoon high temperatures between 100 and 106 degrees are expected throughout the warning period. The prolonged stretch of intense heat will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and anyone without access to air conditioning.
The National Weather Service recommends drinking plenty of water, spending time in air-conditioned buildings when possible, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and checking on family members, neighbors, and vulnerable individuals. Those who must be outdoors should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and schedule strenuous activities during the early morning or evening hours.
With many popular recreation areas, including Arches and Canyonlands national parks, expected to see visitors this weekend, officials urge hikers and travelers to plan carefully and recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke before heading outdoors.
