Widespread and significant critical fire weather conditions are expected to continue through Saturday evening for areas south of I-80. Southwest winds may reach gusts of 50 mph, while relative humidity is forecast to remain below 15 percent.
Severe Fire Weather Conditions
At the same time, strong thunderstorms are anticipated across northern Utah and far southwest Wyoming this afternoon. These storms could bring heavy rain, lightning, large hail, and winds exceeding 50 mph.
A strong cold front is scheduled to cross northern and central Utah between this afternoon and tonight. This transition will usher in much cooler air, with Sunday daytime highs projected to run 20 to 25 degrees below normal in northern Utah and 10 to 15 degrees below normal across central and southwest Utah.
Approaching Cold Front Transition
In the southern regions, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect for areas including the Swell, Canyonlands, and eastern Grand Staircase through Sunday evening. The dry airmass has already contributed to active fires, such as the Wild Goose fire near Scipio.
Current Active Fire Risks
Looking ahead to the upcoming week, high pressure is expected to drive a warming trend. Temperatures should return to near normal by Wednesday.
Upcoming Warming and Wind Trends
However, hot and dry conditions are forecast to return by mid-week. Increasing southwest winds may bring a return of widespread critical fire weather conditions across much of the area during Thursday and Friday.
