Salt Lake City, Utah – High winds and bone-dry conditions have pushed much of central and southern Utah under a Red Flag Warning until 10 p.m. Thursday, bringing extreme fire danger and rapid wildfire spread risks to six fire weather zones.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, southwest winds will intensify across the Central Utah Mountains, Color Country West Desert, San Rafael Swell, and Mojave Desert through Thursday night. Gusts will frequently reach 30 to 35 mph in the afternoons and evenings, while humidity dips as low as 5 percent. Overnight humidity recovery will remain very poor, leaving grasses, shrubs, and forests tinder-dry each day.
Cities from Cedar City and Richfield to Fillmore and St. George could see rapidly changing wildfire threats. Interstates 15 and 70, along with local highways through the West Desert and San Rafael Swell, face elevated risk for fire starts and smoke impacts. Fire crews are on high alert, and residents are urged to avoid open flames, target shooting, or any outdoor activity that could spark a blaze.
Officials recommend securing trailer chains, delaying yardwork, and keeping emergency plans in place. With these critical conditions, even a small fire could race out of control. This event mirrors previous late July fire weather outbreaks in Utah, with similar patterns last seen in 2022.
Red Flag Warnings are set to remain through at least Thursday evening, with more advisories possible if hot, windy weather persists.
