Salt Lake City, Utah – Dry winds and dangerously low humidity could trigger rapid wildfire growth across southern Utah Friday, while parts of eastern Idaho brace for lightning-sparked fires Thursday evening.
According to the National Weather Service, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for much of southwestern and south-central Utah from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Gusty southwest winds of 30–35 mph and relative humidity as low as 10% will combine to create critical fire conditions in zones including the Central Utah West Desert, Color Country West Desert, Mojave Desert, and Grand Staircase region.
Meanwhile, eastern Idaho’s Caribou Range is under a Fire Weather Watch Thursday afternoon and evening, with scattered dry thunderstorms expected. The NWS in Pocatello warns of 25–45 mph outflow winds and frequent lightning that could easily ignite wildfires in the Caribou National Forest.
Communities near Cedar City, Kanab, Milford, and Delta in Utah, and Montpelier and Soda Springs in Idaho, should avoid outdoor burning and secure loose equipment. Fire officials urge residents to have evacuation plans ready and remain alert for upgrades to Red Flag Warnings.
Fire weather alerts remain in effect through Friday evening, with further warnings possible if conditions worsen.
