Grand Junction, Colorado – Smoke, scorching heat, and dangerously dry winds are combining across western Colorado to create a high-impact fire weather setup through at least Wednesday evening. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for much of the Western Slope, including Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and Garfield counties, where temperatures near 100°F and wind gusts up to 25 mph are heightening wildfire risk.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, critical fire conditions will peak each afternoon, with the most dangerous window between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. through Wednesday. A Fire Weather Watch remains in place for Thursday, signaling the possibility of continued alerts into late week.
Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with highs near 98°F. Areas of smoke between 2–4 p.m. Winds southeast 10–15 mph.
Tuesday Night: Smoke lingers with a low near 68°F. Winds shifting to the southeast.
Wednesday: Red Flag Warning active. High of 99°F with breezy southwest winds.
Thursday: Fire Weather Watch issued. High of 100°F under mostly sunny skies.
Friday: Still hot and dry. High around 98°F, calmer winds expected.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to avoid spark-generating activities like welding or mowing in dry grass. Keep emergency go-kits ready, and stay informed as new fire starts may spread rapidly.
Fire danger is expected to persist at least through Thursday. Additional advisories are possible if hot, dry conditions continue.
Five Day Forecast for Grand Junction, CO:
Wednesday: Sunny, high near 99°F. Winds 5–15 mph.
Thursday: Partly cloudy, high of 100°F. Continued fire risk.
Friday: Sunny and hot, high near 98°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 97°F.
Sunday: Sunny, high near 96°F.
