Extreme Heat Watch Issued For Eastern Utah And Western Colorado This Weekend

Summer in western Colorado is about to turn up the thermostat.

A few thunderstorms are still hanging around Thursday, but they're already starting to lose ground as high pressure builds into the Southwest.

By the weekend, the story shifts from scattered storms to near-record heat.

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Storms Stay Mostly North

Thursday won't be completely dry.

Expect isolated showers and thunderstorms to develop during the afternoon, mainly north of Highway 50. A stray storm could still pop up elsewhere, but coverage will be much lower than we've seen recently.

Like the past few days, these storms won't produce much rain for most areas. Instead, the biggest impact will likely be gusty outflow winds that could reach 40 to 50 mph.

Fire Weather Still A Concern

While widespread fire weather concerns are easing, localized critical fire weather conditions remain possible Thursday afternoon across southeast Utah and southwest Colorado.

Hot temperatures, dry air, and gusty winds will still create conditions where fires can spread quickly if one starts.

Weekend Heat Takes Over

The bigger story is what's coming this weekend.

An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for Saturday and Sunday as temperatures climb toward near-record levels across the lower valleys of eastern Utah and western Colorado.

Highs will steadily climb from near normal Thursday to around 10 to 15 degrees above average by the end of the weekend. Some lower-elevation communities could flirt with record highs as the ridge settles overhead.

The good news, if you want to call it that, is that lighter winds should reduce widespread fire weather concerns.

See Photos of the Gold Mountain Fire Near Ouray, Colorado

The wildfire burning above Ouray has disrupted travel along the Million Dollar Highway, prompted mandatory evacuations, and brought an aggressive response from local, state, and federal firefighting agencies. As crews battle steep slopes, heavy timber, and challenging weather, fire conditions continue to evolve.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

See Stunning Photos of Colorado's Snyder Mesa Fire

Throughout the Snyder Mesa Fire, Grand Valley listeners shared photos showing towering smoke columns, glowing ridgelines, aircraft battling the flames, and the wildfire's impact on communities west of Grand Junction.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Filed Under: Colorado Weather