Grand Junction, Colorado – Red Flag Warnings are in place across western Colorado and parts of southeast Utah through 7 p.m. Saturday as hot, dry, and gusty conditions create extreme wildfire danger.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, fire weather zones from the Book Cliffs to the Paradox Valley and White River Forecast Area will face southwest winds up to 15 mph with gusts near 30 mph. Relative humidity could drop to 8%, and any spark may rapidly grow into a wildfire. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
In Grand Junction, Saturday’s high will reach 96°F with areas of smoke expected between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. A slight chance of thunderstorms may bring dry lightning—heightening the fire threat. Winds will shift from the east in the morning to gusty southwest by afternoon.
Fire Weather Watches are already posted for Sunday through midweek, suggesting this pattern may persist well beyond the weekend. Terrain-driven thunderstorm chances drop sharply after Saturday, leaving dry, windy afternoons through at least Thursday.
Officials urge residents to avoid open flames, secure spark-producing equipment, and report smoke sightings immediately.
More advisories are likely if this weather pattern continues.
Five Day Forecast for Grand Junction, Colorado:
- Saturday: High 96°F, areas of smoke and slight chance of dry thunderstorms, Red Flag Warning until 7 PM
- Sunday: Sunny, high 96°F, fire weather watch possible
- Monday: Hot and dry, high 99°F
- Tuesday: High near 98°F, mostly sunny
- Wednesday: Sunny and hot, high around 100°F
