Salt Lake City, Utah – High winds and dangerously dry air could complicate outdoor events and travel across Utah on Patriot Day, September 11. The Red Flag Warning covers the Salt Lake Desert and Central Utah’s West Desert, where any new fire starts may spread quickly.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, the warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Winds will range from 15 to 25 mph with gusts near 40 mph, especially along I-80 and west of Tooele. Relative humidity could fall as low as 10 percent, creating critical fire weather conditions. Officials urge residents to avoid open flames, postpone outdoor burning, and use caution with equipment that could spark.
Communities near Salt Lake City and across Tooele County should prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Emergency managers advise limiting outdoor activities during the heat of the day and ensuring that vehicles are parked away from dry grass. Patriot Day memorial services may continue, but organizers are encouraged to monitor conditions closely and make safety adjustments if needed.
Despite Wednesday’s warm 88-degree high, Thursday will bring a slightly cooler high near 82, along with a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers. Moisture may offer brief relief, but thunderstorms could create lightning strikes in dry areas, further elevating fire concerns.
Conditions remain unsettled into the weekend, with a mix of sun, occasional showers, and cooler highs in the upper 70s by Saturday.
Five Day Forecast for Salt Lake City, Utah
- Thursday: High 82, partly sunny, 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
- Friday: High 78, mostly sunny, 40% chance of showers and evening thunderstorms.
- Saturday: High 76, mostly sunny, slight chance of thunderstorms.
- Sunday: High 82, partly sunny with a slight afternoon shower chance.
- Monday: High 82, mostly sunny with scattered showers possible late.
