Salt Lake City, Utah – Anyone planning outdoor activities across Utah this week should be prepared for a rapidly increasing wildfire threat as stronger winds, dry air and the potential for dry lightning combine to create dangerous fire weather conditions heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, weather conditions will become progressively more active during the next five days, with critical fire weather expected to develop across much of Utah by Friday. Officials continue to urge residents and visitors to follow local fire restrictions as vegetation remains highly susceptible to ignition.
The first concern arrives Tuesday afternoon, when gusty winds and very low humidity are expected across southern Utah. These conditions can allow any new fire start to spread quickly, particularly in open terrain and grass-covered areas.
By Wednesday, thunderstorms may develop across central and southern Utah. While rainfall could accompany some storms, forecasters warn that dry lightning and strong thunderstorm outflow winds may create new fire starts. Isolated flash flooding is also possible near stronger storms, especially in vulnerable canyon and burn scar locations.
The highest concern arrives Friday and continues into the weekend as an increasingly dry air mass combines with strengthening winds statewide. Fire weather conditions are expected to reach critical levels across much of Utah, increasing the potential for rapid wildfire growth.
Five Day Forecast for Utah and Southwest Wyoming
- Tuesday: Sunny with gusty winds developing.
- Wednesday: Thunderstorms possible with dry lightning concerns.
- Thursday: Partly cloudy.
- Friday: Sunny, windy and critical fire weather conditions developing.
- Weekend Trend: Strong winds and elevated to critical wildfire danger continue.
